Question 1

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Accepted Answer

Osgood-Schlatter disease is inflammation and sometimes partial separation of the growth plate (apophysis) at the top of the shin bone (tibial tubercle), where the patellar tendon attaches. It happens in active growing children when the tendon pulls repeatedly on this growth plate during running and jumping. The growth plate is weaker than mature bone and cannot handle the repetitive stress. This causes pain and a characteristic bony bump below the kneecap. It's an overuse condition, not a single injury, and is very common in sporty children during growth spurts.

Question 2

Why does it happen?

Accepted Answer

Osgood-Schlatter happens because bones grow faster than muscles during growth spurts, creating extra tightness in the quadriceps (front thigh muscles). When running and jumping, the quadriceps pulls on the patellar tendon, which pulls on the tibial tubercle (growth plate at top of shin). The growth plate is the weakest link - it cannot handle the repetitive stress, so small injuries accumulate, causing inflammation and sometimes partial fragmentation. Sports with lots of running and jumping (basketball, football, netball, gymnastics) create the most stress. It's most common during the peak growth spurt (ages 10-15).

Question 3

Will it go away?

Accepted Answer

Yes - Osgood-Schlatter disease is self-limiting, meaning it goes away on its own when growth stops. The growth plate closes (fuses to the main bone) between ages 14-18, and symptoms resolve. Most children have symptoms for 12-24 months during their active growth phase, then it disappears. The bony bump usually remains permanently (cosmetic only), but becomes completely painless once growth is complete. Very rarely (less than 5%), a painful ossicle (bone fragment) persists into adulthood and may need surgical removal.

Question 4

Can my child continue playing sport?

Accepted Answer

Yes - in most cases, your child can continue sport with modifications. The condition will NOT be made worse by activity, and there's no risk of permanent damage from continuing to play. However, pain may limit participation. Guidelines: if pain is mild-moderate (2-5 out of 10), your child can continue sport, perhaps with reduced practice time or game minutes. If pain is severe (over 5/10) or persists the next day, rest for 1-2 weeks then gradually return. Complete cessation of sport is rarely needed and can be psychologically harmful. Swimming and cycling are good alternatives during symptomatic periods.

Question 5

How is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms until growth stops and the condition resolves naturally. Main treatments: 1) Activity modification - reduce but don't stop sport, 2) Daily stretching of quadriceps and hamstrings (most important), 3) Ice after activities, 4) Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain. Physiotherapy helpful for stretching, strengthening, and education. Knee pads may help. Complete rest rarely needed. Surgery extremely rare (less than 5%) and only after growth complete if painful ossicle persists. The key is patience - symptoms typically last 12-24 months during active growth, then resolve when growth stops.

Medical Disclaimer

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Growing Pains in Knee)

📖What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Growing Pains in Knee)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention