Osgood-Schlatters disease is characterised by knee pain that occurs during adolescents, where the attachment of the knee cap tendon (patella-tendon) onto the shin bone (tibial tubercle) causes traction leading to inflammation of the underlying growth plate.
It generally occurs during growth spurts when the bones are growing rapidly while the surrounding muscles and tendons try to keep up, and is more prevalent in very active kids, particularly those who run and participate in sports with lots of jumping.
In some cases both knees might have symptoms, with one side being worse than the other.
- Knee pain with running, jumping and other sport related activities
- Tenderness over the tibial tubercle
- Swelling over the tibial tubercle
- Increased prominence of the tibial tubercle
- Tight thigh muscles (quadriceps)
The treatment for Osgood-Schlatters disease focuses on reducing and managing pain and inflammation. It is important to understand that this condition will improve over time as activity levels are managed during growth spurts.
Your Physiotherapist may recommend the following:
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
- Rest from aggravating activities
- Gentle stretches
- Massage of tight muscles
