Osgood-schlatter syndrome affects the portion of the leg just below the knee, towards the very top of the tibia. With heavy exercise, the quadriceps muscles pull the patellar ligament away from the bone. Eventually, this leads to a painful lump that is very sensitive to the touch. Though a brace can't necessarily cure this disease, it may offer some relief. Compression, ice therapy, and heat can help reduce swelling and pain, making osgood-schlatter syndrome hurt a little bit less.