OT: My knee

carmabelle1191 · 05-23-2007, 04:56 PM

I have been having problems with my knee since I've started attending my school's track club about two weeks earlier. My mother talked to her personal trainer, and he said that it was a growing plate (the official name was something that started with an "O", Oslens or something like that). He told my mom that I should take three Motrin every day to prevent it from hurting, so I have been taking two Motrin every day (one at 11:00, and another at 2:45). Today I took my regular two Motrin and went to track club. But by the time it had ended, I couldn't lean on my knee. It feels fine now and when I walk, but I can tell it's swollen. Does anyone know what I should do, or if I should talk to my doctor about it? Thanks.

TeenKnitter · 05-23-2007, 10:01 PM

I also have knee problems. I have a floating patella in my left knee (loose knee cap for those of you who don't know the terminology). I would recommend seeing your doctor, my knee used to swell up and I had to have the fluid drained at one point, ugh. If something is wrong its best to catch it early.

Ronda · 05-23-2007, 10:18 PM

Honestly, I wouldn't keep running until I had cleared it with my doctor. Any number of things could be going on, and it's better to be cautious.

CateKnits · 05-23-2007, 10:43 PM

For what it's worth, I've got knee problems and I ended up on so much Motrin that it started to hurt my stomach and never solved my problem (it took them two years, three sets of x-rays, and an MRI to tell me I had tendonitis). Just before I gave up and stopped taking it, I'd been prescribed the 600mg tablets three times a day.

pss56 · 05-23-2007, 11:17 PM

I think what you are describing is Osgood Slaughter's disease. One of my sons had the same thing when he was 13. That was about 11 years ago. The best thing you can do for it is rest from the physical activity that increases your symptoms. I would recommend that you see an Orthopedist, and not rely on the Motrin so frequently. It is something that you will grow out of, but you can do damage if you are not cautious. Using ice after activities will help with the swelling. Good luck to you!

BostonBecca · 05-23-2007, 11:34 PM

That's good advice. You should definately check with the doctor to make sure that is it and stay off your knee as much as you can.

I have experience with a growth plate going wrong in my leg too. I broke one when I was in 8th grade. It required three months in a cast after three days in a wheel chair to stay completely off of it. They are important things. I lost three months of growth at that age and my legs are slightly but noticeably different lengths (only to me). You don't want that. I sometimes trip over the flat sidewalk.

auburnchick · 05-24-2007, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by pss56

I think what you are describing is Osgood Slaughter's disease. One of my sons had the same thing when he was 13. That was about 11 years ago. The best thing you can do for it is rest from the physical activity that increases your symptoms. I would recommend that you see an Orthopedist, and not rely on the Motrin so frequently. It is something that you will grow out of, but you can do damage if you are not cautious. Using ice after activities will help with the swelling. Good luck to you!

I was going to give this advice too. My daughter tore her ACL in December while playing soccer. She had the ACL reconstructed in February.

We went to three different orthopedic doctors before we were satisfied with what we were told. We also did our homework about who we took her to see.

She's currently in physical therapy and is taking 800mg of motrin a day because she has tendinitis in her patella as a result of the surgery. It's a lot considering she doesn't weigh much over 100lbs.

I'm not a huge fan of OTC medication, though. I would visit your local health food store and find out what you can use to reduce the inflammation. Make sure you tell the doctor exactly what you are taking.

Oh, and sometimes things don't show up right away on an MRI or CAT scan because of the swelling. If they do these tests too early, the inflammation can get in the way of what they need to see.

I hope it feels better soon!

mks22300 · 05-24-2007, 12:30 AM

I don't have any real advice for you Sarah, just hope you feel better soon!

carmabelle1191 · 05-24-2007, 01:23 AM

My mother looked at my knee and it is still swollen. She has decided to take me to an orthopedist and told me not to go to track tomorrow, just to be careful. I guess I'll continue to take the Motrin until I see the orthopedist and he tells me what to do. Thanks for all your advice! I hope it's nothing serious though.

nuknitter · 05-24-2007, 05:39 AM

Yup, sounds like what the doc told you it was is Osgood-Schlatter's disease - it's when the tendon pulls on the bone b/c of increased use of the joint, resulting in inflammation. Happens in teenagers b/c they're still growing (simplistic answer, but I think you're a teen, right?). Lots of kids not only get the pain and swelling/heat, they'll actually get a bony protrusion f/the bone getting pulled "outward" by the tendon if they do whatever they're doing long enough. Common in things like tennis/basketball players b/c of the abrupt start/stops they do.

Rest is the primary key here - hate to say it, C. If it doesn't improve in a couple weeks of rest, or worsens with just normal activity (walking around), a visit to the orthopedist is definitely a good option.

Good luck, and take care of it!

If you do, it'll completely resolve.