INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Probably the most important action you can take to help alleviate the pain from OSD is to stop playing the sport or doing the activity that is contributing most to the problem. Sports that involve a lot of jumping, such as basketball and volleyball, are particularly bad for OSD.  The amount of rest needed varies widely and depends on the person, but expect anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before a significant reduction in pain and swelling is noticed. Pain with OSD can be sporadic or nearly constant; it usually occurs in just one knee, but sometimes develops in both. The application of ice is an effective treatment for essentially all acute musculoskeletal injuries, including OSD. Cold therapy should be applied to the inflamed bump (tibial tuberosity) just below your kneecap for 20 minutes every two to three hours for a couple of days, then reduce the frequency as the pain and swelling subside.  Always wrap ice or frozen gel packs in a thin towel in order to prevent frostbite on your skin. If you don't have any ice or gel packs, then use a frozen bag of peas from your freezer. While resting and applying ice to your knee, consider also using a special knee brace or kneecap immobilizer while having to walk in order to take the stress off your patellar tendon.  Knee braces can be found at stores that sell rehabilitation and medical supplies — ask a physical therapist, physician, or chiropractor for more info. Alternatively, you can try a patellar tendon strap, which fits around your leg just below your kneecap. It can support your kneecap's tendon during physical activity and distribute some of the force away from the tibial tuberosity.  Complete inactivity is not necessary with OSD, but consider switching to other fun activities that don't involve jumping or running, such as swimming, rowing or golf. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can be short-term solutions to help you deal with the pain and inflammation of OSD. Alternatively, you can try over-the-counter analgesics (painkillers) such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications can be hard on your stomach, kidneys and liver, so it's best not to use them for more than 2 weeks at a stretch. Check with your doctor before taking any medications.  Keep in mind that NSAIDs do not shorten the course of OSD.  Steroids such as cortisone have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but injections should not be given to adolescents with OSD due to the risk factors —  mainly, potential tendon weakening, local muscle atrophy and reduced immune system function. Once the acute knee pain has settled down, start doing some quadriceps stretching. One of the causes of OSD is repetitive quadriceps contractions (from too much jumping, for example) and also overly tight quadricep tendons. As such, learning how to stretch this muscle group may help reduce the tension and inflammation in the area where the kneecap's tendon attaches to the upper shinbone (tibia).  To stretch your quadriceps while standing, bend your leg behind you so your knee is bent, your heel about at the level of your butt. Grab your ankle and pull your foot toward your body until you feel a nice stretch in your lower thigh and knee. Hold for about 30 seconds and repeat three to five times daily until you notice reduced symptoms. Stretches for the hamstrings, which are also commonly tight, may also be performed. Bending over at the waist and trying to touch your toes is a good basic hamstring stretch.

SUMMARY: Rest and avoid pain-inducing activities. Apply ice to your knee. Use a knee brace or patellar immobilizer. Take anti-inflammatories or painkillers. Stretch your quadriceps.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The average fee for a home inspection is between $350-$500, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home. There are home inspectors that offer a lower price, but you must beware of their credentials, and their business ethics. Home inspectors enter a home and analyze all of the major components that make up a house purchase. Home inspection companies document the safety and overall condition  of a home at the time of the inspection. Home inspections usually take about 3 hours for a  minimal inspection, and 5 or 6 hours in order to arrive at a thorough,  proper assessment. Depending on how old or large a house is, it may take  longer or less time to complete.  Home buyers benefit from attending the inspection. Although a written report is furnished upon completion, it doesn't compare to the hands-on, up-front experience of  going through the house with the home inspection representative. This process is important in order to protect both the buyer and the seller. Homeowners will know the sort of repairs or enhancements that their home needs in order to secure a sale and avoid legal liability for selling a damaged or dangerous property. Knowledge about problems with a home enables the buyer to make informed  decisions on making an offer on a piece of property. Often buyers make  an offer asking the seller to fix certain things or lower the price  based on the home inspector's evaluation. A home inspector must thoroughly conduct a review of the inner and outer areas of a house, including:  Plumbing: While conducting a home inspection, old piping materials, faulty fixtures, water pumps and water heaters are some of the concerns that an inspector will focus on. Plumbing defects are one of the main issues a homeowner and/or buyers will face in terms of repairs. Roof: A home inspection company will check a roof to see if there are any old or deteriorated shingles; as well as any leaks. Homeowners can gauge whether or not a roof should be replaced. Usually tar and gravel roofs last about 15 years, where wood shakes have an average life span of 20-25 years. Structural issues: The overall condition of main structures in the house is also analyzed during a home inspection. The condition of the home's foundation and walls are looked at. Floor joists and rafters are of importance, as are window and door headers. Older houses are checked for sagging and settlement issues. These issues can be priciest for the homeowner to fix, and are very common in older homes.  Heating and air conditioning systems: The heat distribution pipes and air ducts are checked during a home inspection. A buyer will also want to know if operating controls are in good condition, as well as the condition of the chimney. Electrical wiring: During a home inspection, the condition of the electrical wiring throughout the house is a concern. Wire connections and power overload prevention are some of the aspects an inspector will take note of. Water in the basement: When water has entered the basement or crawl space of a home, a host of property problems are soon to follow. This includes mold and/or frame rot. Home inspectors are especially keen on detecting these problems, which are quite visible through discoloration, musty smells, mildew and water leak stains. Chemical concerns: Inspectors look for evidence of radon, asbestos, mold, and lead, which can be dangerous to occupants. If the property uses well water, they also assess the quality of the water to be sure its safe.  Pests: Home inspectors look for evidence of pests like termites that can damage the integrity of the home, as well as other pests like roaches and mice. It is a home inspector's job to find any existing or potential problems with a house. They can lose their license if they fail to report issues, so although it might feel like they're purposely giving bad news, be thankful for the information. If you are the seller, it is important to fix or disclose any issues with the house when you put it on the market. Otherwise, you are potentially legally liable for problems the new homeowner's encounter.

SUMMARY:
Be prepared for the cost. Understand the actual inspection. Know what will be inspected. Be prepared for bad news.