and Managing Pain from Tibial Tuberosity Issues

Treatment and Prevention of Shin Splints

When I was 14 years old, I injured my knee while playing basketball, resulting in an oval-shaped bone protrusion below my right knee.
Now that I am 19, it still hurts.
I believe my growth period is over, but it becomes very painful whenever I press on it or kneel, and after exercising.
I previously had an X-ray, and the doctor said surgery to remove it was not necessary and only prescribed anti-inflammatory ointment.
I would like to know if that protruding bone will cause me pain for the rest of my life, or if there is a chance for treatment.

Xu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/07/22

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Typically, pain can be managed with medication or by temporarily reducing physical activity.
Surgery is only necessary when severe pain occurs repeatedly and cannot be controlled with medication.
However, surgery should be performed only after reaching adulthood to avoid damaging the growth plates, which could lead to excessive knee flexion.
The surgery itself is not overly complex, and it is advisable to discuss the necessity of surgery with a physician.

Reply Date: 2012/07/22

More Info

The condition you are describing sounds like it may be related to Osgood-Schlatter disease, which is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports like basketball. This condition occurs when the patellar tendon pulls on the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity, leading to inflammation and pain. The tibial tuberosity is the bony prominence located just below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches.
Given that you experienced a knee injury at the age of 14, it is possible that the trauma exacerbated the condition, leading to the formation of a prominent bone growth or bump in that area. This bump can be tender to touch and may cause pain during activities that put stress on the knee, such as kneeling, running, or jumping.
At 19 years old, you are likely past the peak growth period, which means that the growth plate has likely closed. This closure can sometimes lead to a reduction in symptoms, but it does not guarantee that the pain will completely resolve. The pain you experience may persist due to the chronic inflammation of the tendon or the bony prominence itself.

To manage your symptoms, consider the following strategies:
1. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain, especially high-impact sports. Instead, focus on low-impact exercises that do not strain the knee.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes after activity can help reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. This can help alleviate some of the stress on the tibial tuberosity.

4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication.

5. Knee Support: Using a knee brace or support during activities may provide additional stability and reduce pain.

6. Surgical Options: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail and the pain significantly impacts quality of life, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the bony prominence. However, this is typically a last resort.

It is important to have ongoing discussions with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options. If the pain persists or worsens, further imaging studies, such as an MRI, may be warranted to assess the soft tissues around the knee and rule out any other underlying conditions.

In conclusion, while the bony prominence at the tibial tuberosity may cause discomfort, it does not necessarily mean you will experience pain for the rest of your life. With appropriate management and treatment, many individuals find relief from their symptoms and can return to their normal activities. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help ensure that you are on the right track for managing your condition effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pain Below the Knee: Tibial Tuberosity Issues and Recovery

Previously, when I was kneeling on a stone bench with one leg, I pressed on the bony prominence below my knee (I found online that this area is called the tibial tuberosity). A day or two later, I started experiencing pain similar to that of a bruise when pressed. When I squat an...

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Excessive pressure on the tibial tuberosity can cause pain, which is normal. However, if there is insufficient rest or frequent stair climbing, it can lead to overuse of the hip ligaments and hip cartilage, resulting in persistent pain. It is recommended to reduce stair climbing ...

Understanding Patellar Tendon Pain at the Tibial Tuberosity

Hello Director Chen, I have redness and swelling at the attachment point of the patellar tendon on my tibial tuberosity, and the pain varies depending on my activity level. It is especially painful after running, jumping, or climbing stairs. Sometimes, kneeling on both knees to p...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It may be hip ligament inflammation (patellar tendinitis). During the acute phase, ice therapy can be applied; after the acute phase, heat therapy or warm baths can be used. 2. Rehabilitation treatments such as interferential current therapy or ultrasound can be beneficial. ...

Understanding Tibial Osteochondritis: Impact on Military Life and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor: The patient is currently serving in the military and is experiencing severe pain in both knees when kneeling due to heavy training. After prolonged squatting, the patient has difficulty standing up. A recent consultation diagnosed "tibial tuberosity osteochond...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If tibial tuberosity chondritis does not improve by adulthood and the symptoms are severe, surgery may be considered. The procedure can involve the removal of the prominent bone fragment, and even for surgeries that can lead to healing, a rest period of one to two months is neces...

Understanding Tibial Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, five years ago, I started experiencing unexplained pain in my left calf while running, and I noticed slight swelling in the front of my left calf. Initially, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed it as inflammation. After a year of th...

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dr. Yeh Min-Nan from Orthopedics responds: (1) Regarding the issue of tibial tumors: your concern requires an outpatient examination. In the Taichung area, you can visit Taichung Municipal Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University, or China Medical University. (2) For shoulder issu...