Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a common cause of knee pain, particularly affecting active adolescents experiencing rapid growth. This condition involves irritation and inflammation where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone, just below the kneecap. While OSD often resolves as growth plates mature, managing symptoms can improve comfort and allow continued activity. Taping offers a non-invasive method to alleviate pain and provide knee support.
Understanding How Taping Helps
Taping reduces strain on the irritated patellar tendon, a primary source of OSD pain. Strategic application alters forces through the tendon, providing relief. This mechanical offloading helps to decrease the pulling action on the sensitive growth plate.
Taping also reduces pain by providing gentle compression and enhancing proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position and movement. Kinesiology tape is elastic and moves with the body, offering dynamic support without restricting full range of motion. This type of tape can gently lift the skin, potentially improving circulation and reducing discomfort. Rigid athletic tape, in contrast, provides firm, inflexible support that can restrict movement and irritate the tender area. For OSD, elastic kinesiology tape is often preferred due to its flexible nature and ability to allow natural movement.
Gathering Your Taping Supplies
Assembling the necessary materials ensures smooth application. Kinesiology tape, typically a 5 cm wide roll, is the common choice for Osgood-Schlatter Disease due to its flexibility. You will also need a sharp pair of scissors to cut the tape to length and to round the corners, which helps prevent premature peeling. Proper skin preparation is important for effective adhesion and to ensure the tape remains in place. This involves cleaning the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to remove oils and dirt, and optionally, trimming excessive hair.
Applying the Tape for Osgood-Schlatter
A common technique for Osgood-Schlatter Disease involves applying kinesiology tape in a U-shape to support the patellar tendon and offload the painful area.
- Ensure the skin on the affected knee is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils.
- Position the knee slightly bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Measure a 5-7 inch (12-15 cm) strip of kinesiology tape and round the corners.
- Tear the backing paper in the middle, creating an anchor point without stretch.
- Apply this central portion directly below the kneecap, over the tibial tuberosity, where the pain is typically located.
- With the knee still bent, apply the two ends upwards and outwards around the kneecap, forming a “U” shape.
- Apply 50-60% stretch to the middle section, ensuring the ends are applied with no stretch.
- This technique lifts the skin and reduces tension on the patellar tendon.
- Rub the entire length of the tape vigorously to activate the adhesive, ensuring it adheres well to the skin.
Important Considerations and Professional Advice
Tape can typically be worn for 3 to 5 days, with a recommended 24-hour break between applications to allow the skin to breathe. While water-resistant, pat it dry after showering or swimming to prevent peeling. Monitor skin for irritation like redness, itching, burning, or small bumps, which may indicate an adhesive allergy or improper application. If irritation occurs, remove the tape immediately.
For safe removal, peel the tape off slowly and in the direction of hair growth, keeping the skin taut to minimize discomfort. Warm water, baby oil, or soap can help loosen the adhesive for easier removal. Taping provides support and pain relief, but it is not a cure for Osgood-Schlatter Disease. If pain worsens, new symptoms develop, or taping does not provide adequate relief, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend a comprehensive management plan, including rest, ice application, activity modification, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings.