Schlatter’s disease is due to the tendon of the thigh muscle becoming inflamed and swollen. The tendon attaches to a lump a few centimeters below the kneecap. The enlarged tuber can then remain even when the inflammation and pain itself have disappeared.
Schlatter’s disease is common when you are between eight and fifteen years old. The disease can come if you grow quickly and at the same time strain your knees. It is above all those who sport the disease.
Symptoms of Schlatter’s disease
It is common for the lump below the knee to swell, hurt and feel tender. It hurts when you exercise, especially if the sport contains hope. But it can also hurt when you run, for example, work on stairs or have been sitting for a long time and have to get up.
Read more about knee problems in children and teenagers.
When and where should I seek care?
Most people who suffer from Schlatter’s disease do not need treatment because the problems usually go away on their own.
You can contact a health care center if you have a knee injury and cannot exercise as usual.
Treatment of Schlatter’s disease
Schlatter’s disease usually goes away by itself as you get older and stop growing. But for some, the pain persists even into adulthood.
The first thing you can do is to avoid activities that hurt. If you train hard and get hurt you might want to try another sport.
If the inconvenience does not get better, it can help with physical therapy and a special bandage or tape that you put on your lap when doing any physical activity. You may need surgery if it does not help or if you have severe problems. During operation, the doctor removes part of the swollen tuber.
Influence and participate in your care
You can seek care at any medical center or open specialist clinic you want throughout the country. Sometimes a referral to the open specialized care is required.
You should understand the information
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment of Schlatter’s disease, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare staff.
If you need tools, you should get information about what is available and how to get it.