What is Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter’s is a condition in adolescents where the
tendon below the kneecap pulls on the tibial tuberosity (shin bone), causing pain and inflammation. It often affects active children during growth spurts.
Symptoms & What You May Experience
- Pain and tenderness below the kneecap
- Swelling or a bony bump on the shin
- Worse with running, jumping, squatting, or kneeling
- Stiffness after activity
- Usually affects one knee, sometimes both
What causes Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease?
Key contributing factors:
- Rapid growth combined with high activity levels
- Repetitive strain from sports (football, basketball, dance, athletics)
- Tight quads or hamstrings
- Muscular imbalance or knee alignment issues
How We Help (At Victoria Park Osteopaths)
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting healthy movement:
- Soft tissue work on quads, hamstrings, and calves
- Joint mobilisation where needed
- Stretching programmes to reduce tendon stress
- Strengthening exercises for hips, core, and legs
- Activity modification advice (not stopping, just pacing)
- Supportive taping or bracing if beneficial
- Guidance on warm-ups and load management
Recovery Time & What to Expect
- Condition often resolves as growth plates close (3–18 months)
- Symptoms can be well-managed with treatment and exercise
- Full activity is usually possible with pacing and rehab
- The bony bump may remain but pain generally resolves
When to Seek Medical Review / Red Flags
- Sudden severe pain or swelling
- Knee locking or instability
- Pain at rest or night pain
- Symptoms persist despite management
