Prognosis | Physiotherapy for Schlatter’s disease

Prognosis

Usually the problems of Schlatter’s disease only exist during puberty and disappear with the end of the growth phase. What remains may be a pressure-sensitive tuberosity tibiae or even increased bone elevation at this point. If dead bone material has detached, causing further inflammation and problems in the joint and disrupting movement, it may have to be surgically removed.

However, surgical intervention is relatively rarely necessary. If the knee is not overstressed in the critical growth phase, overloading is avoided and consistent physiotherapy/physical exercises are performed, a positive course of Schlatter’s disease can be expected. However, every body, every disease and every course of disease must be considered individually and general guidelines or statements are difficult to make.

In order to counteract Schlatter’s disease and to avoid a worsening, later problems or no surgery at all, any heavy knee loads should be avoided. Jumps, fast start and stop movements in sports, heavy lifting and also overweight can be triggers. Posture, back and pelvic position as well as the leg axes should also be trained and corrected.

Muscular imbalances must be recognized and corrected. Shortened muscles should be consistently stretched and muscles that are too weak should be trained. The best thing for joints is a lot of movement without great strain. In your free time, for example, cycling or swimming are suitable for this.Movement ensures good blood circulation, stimulates physiological healing and keeps joints supple. In general, always warm up well before exercise to prepare the pre-stressed tendon for the movement and to stretch the affected muscles at the end.

Summary

Schlatter’s disease is an unpleasant irritant condition at the base of the patella tendon during the juvenile growth phase. Through individual training/physiotherapy and symptom-oriented therapy, pain and movement restrictions can be brought under control and the symptoms of overstrain can grow over the years without permanent damage.