Osgood-Schlatter Disease

If your child is experiencing pain and swelling just below the kneecap, it may be a sign of Osgood-Schlatter Disease.

This condition is one of the most common causes of knee pain in growing children and teenagers. It is particularly prevalent among individuals who participate in regular sports or physical activity.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a condition that occurs when repeated strain on the growth plate below the kneecap causes irritation and inflammation. It often appears during growth spurts, when bones, muscles, and tendons are developing quickly.

The condition usually improves as a child’s growth slows down. However, the pain associated with it can range from mild tenderness to sharp discomfort. This can make running, jumping, or kneeling very difficult.

Some people hold the common misconception that these types of “growing pains” are just something children have to put up with. However, Osgood-Schlatter Disease is actually very treatable. That is why it is a good idea to seek professional care from Gold Coast Foot Centres if your child is suffering from it.

What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is an overuse injury. It affects the area where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone. Typically, this condition appears during periods of rapid growth, when bones, muscles, and tendons are undergoing significant changes.

The condition is also known as tibial tuberosity pain or growth plate inflammation. It causes a painful lump below the kneecap. This can become more noticeable during activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs.

It is one of the most frequent causes of anterior knee pain in teenagers. Those who regularly participate in competitive sports such as football, basketball, netball, or athletics are more susceptible to it.

Who Is at Risk and What Causes It?

Osgood-Schlatter Disease most often affects physically active children between the ages of 9 and 14.

The main cause of this condition is repeated stress on the growth plate. This is the soft area of developing cartilage near the ends of bones. During a growth spurt, the patellar tendon can pull on this area, causing discomfort. In doing so, it triggers irritation and inflammation.

Other contributing factors include:

• Rapid growth periods during puberty.

• Poor flexibility in the quadriceps or hamstrings.

• Sudden increases in training intensity or duration.

• Inadequate rest between physical activities.

• Use of inappropriate footwear for high-impact sports.
  

Both boys and girls can develop the condition. However, it is slightly more common in boys as they tend to have higher levels of sports participation during their adolescence.

Recognising the Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

The symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease often appear gradually. They can also vary depending on the level of activity a child engages in. Some common signs to look out for include:

• Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap.

• A visible or palpable lump at the top of the shinbone.

• Swelling or warmth over the affected area.

• Increased discomfort during or after physical activity.

• Stiffness in the front of the knee after rest.
  

Parents often notice their child limping or wanting to avoid playing sports due to knee pain. In some cases, both knees can be affected by the condition. While levels of discomfort may improve with rest, they usually return quickly once a child resumes physical activity.

It is essential to identify the signs of Osgood-Schlatter Disease early. This can help prevent symptoms from getting worse. It can also reduce the risk of long-term issues.

How Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease Diagnosed?

At Gold Coast Foot Centres, the diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter Disease is typically made through a clinical assessment. They are performed by one of our highly qualified podiatrists who are experts in musculoskeletal conditions.

The process may include:

• Gaining a detailed history of the child’s activities, growth, and pain patterns.

• Physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.

• Gait and posture analysis to identify contributing biomechanical issues.

• In some cases, imaging such as an X-ray may be requested to rule out other causes of knee pain.
  

Like with any medical-related condition, the quicker Osgood-Schlatter Disease can be diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.

Treatment and Management Options at Gold Coast Foot Centres

Osgood-Schlatter Disease usually improves with time, as a child’s bones stop growing. However, both the symptoms of it and the chance of it recurring can be greatly reduced by having it professionally treated. 

At Gold Coast Foot Centres, our treatment focuses on providing instant pain relief. We also support the knee during recovery and guide your child back to a safe return to physical activity.

Some common treatment approaches include:

1. Modifying Their Physical Activities

Avoiding high-impact activities, such as jumping or sprinting, can help children relieve stress on their growth plate. Instead, we may recommend low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, as a way to maintain fitness.

2. Ice Therapy and Plenty of Rest

Encouraging children to apply ice to the affected area several times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation. They may also benefit from short rest periods when the pain flares up.

3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

We may suggest gentle stretching and strengthening programs. Typically, these focus on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves and are designed to improve flexibility and support knee stability.

4. Assessing Orthotics and Footwear

If necessary, custom orthotics may be prescribed to correct your child’s foot posture or improve their shock absorption during physical activity. Wearing supportive footwear specifically designed for sports can further reduce strain on their knees.

5. Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy

Working with a physiotherapist can be beneficial. They may use manual techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce tightness. This can be particularly useful in relieving patellar tendon stress and enhancing your child’s muscle balance.

6. Pain Medication

We will advise whether over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication is appropriate to use as a countermeasure for the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Wearing taping or knee braces can also help manage levels of discomfort during sports.

In more persistent cases, our podiatrists will develop a customised rehabilitation plan to gradually restore full function. This should allow a safe return to training.

Tips For Preventing Osgood-Schlatter

Unfortunately, not all cases of Osgood-Schlatter Disease can be avoided. However, your child can employ several prevention strategies to lower their risk of developing it.

Some of the best things to do include:

• Gradually increase the intensity levels of their physical activity.

• Do proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after exercise.

• Regularly stretch the quadriceps and hamstrings to maintain flexibility.

• Wear proper footwear and shock-absorbing insoles when playing sports.

• Have full rest days to allow the body to recover between sessions.

• Seek professional advice from a qualified podiatrist at the first sign of persistent knee pain.
  

When to Return to Sport

Most young people recover fully from Osgood-Schlatter Disease once their growth plates have closed, and thankfully, the condition rarely causes long-term problems. However, some children may experience a small bump below the kneecap.

The recovery time varies between children. But it can take several weeks to months for some, depending on the severity of their symptoms and how successful they are in maintaining good rest and rehabilitation.

Any return to sport, particularly competitive sport, should be gradual. It is essential for children to be pain-free and able to fully bend and straighten their knees. They should also be able to complete strengthening exercises comfortably before resuming their normal activity levels.

Overall, the earlier they receive treatment, the shorter their recovery time is likely to be. That is why it is important to have the condition diagnosed as soon as possible.

Why Choose Gold Coast Foot Centres for Your Child’s Knee Pain

Gold Coast Foot Centres provides expert assessment and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports injuries. This includes Osgood-Schlatter Disease.

Our team offers evidence-based care. Using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, every patient receives a personalised management plan designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and enable them to enjoy healthy levels of physical activity.

If your child is experiencing knee pain or swelling below the kneecap, it is essential to determine the cause as soon as possible.

Book an appointment today with Gold Coast Foot Centres to arrange a professional assessment and begin your child’s tailored treatment plan.

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