What is Osgood-Schlatters Disease?

/ Embody Health Centre/
A young woman getting physiotherapy treatment for knee pain

Osgood-Schlatters is a common cause of knee pain in active adolescents. It occurs due to inflammation in the area under the kneecap (patella), where the patellar tendon attaches onto the shin bone (the tibia). The prevalence is highest in active adolescents, boys > girls (around age 9 in girls, and 11 in boys). It most commonly occurs around growth spurts, due to the rapid change in growth of the bones, muscles and tendons.

Since physical activity puts extra stress onto our bones and muscles, this condition is most often found in active individuals. Highest incidence among adolescent soccer players and in sports that feature explosive movements, and continuous changes of direction.

The tibial tubercle is a bony bump that sits over top of the growth plate, located at the top of the tibia. Growth plates are a special area where the bone is growing, and is located near the end of bones. Once a child is fully grown, the growth plates will harden into solid bone. 

Our quadriceps muscles located in the front of the thigh attach as a tendon to the tibial tubercle. In some children, this repetitive traction on the tubercle leads to inflammation of the growth plate, in which the prominence (bump) may become very pronounced. 

Signs and Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatters:

  • Pain localized +/- swelling at the tibial tuberosity

  • Pain increases when the tibial tubercle is pressed on, or certain positions such as kneeling

  • Pain occurs during knee-loading activities such as running and jumping 

Treatment for Osgood-Schlatters includes:

  • Refraining from pain-aggravating activities and sport participation until pain subsides. Recommended that any running, jumping and changing of directions should be reduced or eliminated until symptoms improve.

  • Application of ice to the tibial tuberosity.

  • Stretching exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band and calf muscles.

  • Non-impact activities such as swimming and cycling can be implemented to maintain/improve cardiovascular fitness.

  • Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles. 

  • Warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after training and competition.

  • Core strengthening exercises: increased core strength has been associated with better knee function in jumping, and less rotation of the leg during knee flexion, such as running.

Do you think you or someone you know is suffering from pain caused by Osgood-Schlatters Disease? Book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists by clicking here.