Osgood Schlatters disease is a common knee condition in adolescents. It is characterised as an injury to the growth plate at the top of the tibia (shin bone) just below the knee.
The muscle group at the front of the thigh is the quadriceps, these muscles attach to the patella (knee cap), which then attaches to the top of the tibia (shin bone). In individuals who have not yet finished growing, a growth plate exists where the patella tendon inserts into the shin bone. Every time the quadricep muscles contract, they pull on the patellar tendon which in turn pulls on the tibia’s growth plate. When this force is too high or repetitive, irritation to the growth plate may occur. Irritation will lead to pain and sometimes an increased bony prominence at the front of the shin, known as Osgood Schlatters.
What are the symptoms of Osgood Shlatters?
Pain is generally localised to the front of the knee just beneath the knee cap. The pain may increase during activities requiring strong quadricep contractions, for example, jumping, squatting, going up and down stairs or running. The area where the patellar tendon attaches on to, known as the tibial tuberosity, may be tender to touch or kneel upon. There may also be a visible bony prominence or swelling present at the top of the shin bone.
How can physiotherapy help?
Osgood Schlatters gradually resolves as you finish growing and the growth plate within the knee disappears. Physiotherapy is very useful for patients with this condition as it can reduce pain and allow for increased activity levels. Treatment may include soft tissue massage, stretching, icing, taping/bracing, biomechanical correction, activity modification advice, and exercises to target strength and flexibility of specific muscles.
What causes Osgood-Schlatter’s disease?
Osgood-Schlatter’s is a common cause of knee pain in growing children and teenagers, particularly those active in running and jumping sports. During growth spurts, the tendon below the kneecap pulls on a soft area of bone at the top of the shin, causing pain and a tender bump.
- Rapid growth during the teenage years
- High levels of running and jumping
- Tightness through the thigh muscles
How long does it last?
Osgood-Schlatter’s usually settles as the bones finish growing. In the meantime, symptoms can be well managed with activity adjustment and strengthening, so young athletes can often keep playing.
What you can do at home
- Adjust rather than completely stop sport, guided by pain levels
- Use ice after activity if the knee is sore
- Keep up prescribed stretching and strengthening
Check with your physiotherapist before making big changes to training.
Frequently asked questions about Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
Can my child keep playing sport?
Often yes, at a level guided by their symptoms. A physiotherapist can help manage the load so they stay active while it settles.
Is Osgood-Schlatter’s permanent?
No. It typically resolves once growth is complete, although a small bony bump may remain. Symptoms can be managed well throughout.
Where can I get help on the North Shore?
Dynamic Physio treats growing athletes at our Mairangi Bay, Long Bay and Milford clinics, and our physiotherapists are ACC-registered.