Osgood-Schlatter Disease – Hunters Hill Physiotherapy

Understanding and Managing this Common Adolescent Condition

Osgood-Schlatter disease – try saying that three times fast! While it might sound like the name of an old-timey professor, it’s actually a common cause of knee pain in active adolescents. If a young person in your life has been complaining about a sore knee after active days, this might be the cause. Don’t panic. At Hunters Hill Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists can help ease the pain and keep them in the game. Call us today on (02) 9816 5092 to book an appointment. But in the meantime, let’s learn everything we can about what’s going on.

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is an overuse injury affecting the growth plate of the tibial tuberosity – the bony bump at the top of the shinbone where the patellar tendon attaches. It occurs most frequently in children and teenagers experiencing growth spurts, particularly those who participate in sports involving jumping, running, or repetitive stress on the knees.

During growth spurts, bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates, which can lead to tension at the site where the patellar tendon connects to the shinbone. Repeated stress from activity can cause inflammation and sometimes small fractures in this area, resulting in pain and swelling.

Who is at Risk?

OSD typically affects young people between the ages of 9 and 14, with boys historically more affected. However, as more girls engage in competitive sports, the gap is narrowing. Sports like football, basketball, gymnastics, and athletics often increase the risk due to the high levels of jumping and running involved.

While the condition is temporary, it can be frustrating for young athletes, as the pain can limit performance and participation in their favourite activities.

What are the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease?

The most common symptoms of OSD include:

Knee pain: Usually below the kneecap, where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia.
Swelling: At the tibial tuberosity, often accompanied by tenderness to touch.
Pain during activity: Running, jumping, or kneeling can exacerbate symptoms, while rest often provides relief.
Bony lump: Over time, a permanent bony bump may develop at the tibial tuberosity, even after symptoms subside.

Pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe enough to limit daily activities, depending on the level of strain.

Preventing Osgood-Schlatter disease

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! While OSD isn’t entirely preventable, certain strategies can reduce the risk:

Stretching: Encourage regular stretching of the hamstrings and quadriceps, especially during growth spurts.
Cross-training: Mixing high-impact sports with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can reduce repetitive stress on the knees.
Proper footwear: Supportive, well-cushioned shoes can help absorb shock and reduce stress on the knees.
Gradual progression: Increasing training intensity slowly helps the body adapt and prevents overuse injuries.

How is Osgood-Schlatter disease treated?

The good news is that OSD usually resolves on its own once the child’s growth plates close, typically by late adolescence. However, physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing symptoms, maintaining strength and flexibility, and ensuring a safe return to activity. After all, nobody wants to tell a keen young athlete that they need to give up their favourite sport until they’ve finished growing! After a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis we’ll advise on the following:

Rest and activity modification: The first step in treatment is often reducing or temporarily stopping activities that aggravate the pain. This doesn’t mean complete bed rest—our physiotherapists will guide your child in modifying their activity to protect the knee while staying active. .
Stretching and strengthening exercises: OSD is often associated with tight quadriceps and hamstring muscles, which increase tension at the tibial tuberosity. Stretching exercises can help reduce this tension. Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and core muscles can also stabilise the knee and improve overall mechanics. .
Taping or bracing: In some cases, supportive taping or a patellar tendon strap can help alleviate pressure on the tibial tuberosity, making activities more comfortable.

Conclusion

Osgood-Schlatter disease can be a painful and frustrating experience for active adolescents, but it’s a condition that responds well to physiotherapy and proper management. By addressing the root causes and supporting healthy growth, we aim to help young athletes stay active and pain-free. Call us at (02) 9816 5092 to book an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists at Hunters Hill Physiotherapy. Let us help keep your young athlete moving confidently through their teenage years.

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Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.