Question
Hello,

I've had Osgood Schlatter's since I was about 12 years old. They would X-Ray my knees every few years, but said that it would go away on it's own. The last time it was checked was when I was 18, and she said it was still fine since my growth plate was still open (she said I had another 1-2 inches). Well, now I'm 21, still 5'10'', and have incredibly bad pain where the Osgood Schlatter's is. I did play volleyball into college, but I'm not as active anymore (although I did just have a baby). It's always hurt a lot, but now it is extremely painful, and Motrin, Tylenol, and Aleve don't do anything to alleviate the pain. The one knee hurts where the bump is, but the other knee now hurts above the knee cap, which I think could be caused by my favoring that knee when the other one is really acting up.

My question: Is it normal to have Osgood Schlatter's into your 20s? Is it supposed to cause such severe pain? I am used to the normal amount of pain, and I've had too many sports injuries to count (I was a middle hitter so I jumped every single play), but this is so much more intense. Is there anything they can do for it?

I also have one other question: I am only 21, but is it possible to have arthritis this young? I have a pain that starts in my elbows (both sides) that spreads into my wrists, followed by my fingers, and finally my shoulders. It is always in that order. The pain only affects the joints, which is why I'm wondering if it's arthritis. If it might be, what kind? I have hyper-extended my elbows too many times to count, I work on the computer (literally, it's my job), and my shoulder was already a problem in high school, so I could possibly be aggravating whatever the problem may be. This pain is also really intense, but while the knee is a constant pain, this comes and goes.

Thank you so much for your time.

Amy


Answer
Hi Amy,

The OSD is gone, you have OA (osteoarthritis) and subchondromalacia patella or patellar-femoral syndrome. You must go see a Chiropractor and start taking Glucosamine sulfate (OTC supplement) and foot orthotics to correct the imbalance causing these problems. This will also begin to effect your entire spine, so getting to a DC soon is very urgent. See my past answers an Bio on the osteoarthritis section instead of the rheumatoid section. My info below is there for further questions, e-mail me and I will even call you if you need more help.


Good Luck!


Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
[email protected]
Lansingspinaldecompression.com
drs.chiroweb.com