Sydney Sports Podiatry
Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease
Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents, as a result of inflammation of the patella ligament at the tibial tuberosity (small bump just below the centre of the knee).
The underlying mechanism is tension on the growth plate of the upper tibia (leg bone) which is repeatedly put under stress during sports involving running and jumping. Therefore, the condition is characterised with pain during activity which improves with rest, in one or both knees.
Treatment – what you can do
- Rest
- Ice
- Activity reduction or modification
- Stretch
Understanding Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease
Symptoms:
The main symptoms are pain and swelling just below the kneecap. The pain usually worsens during certain activities like running, jumping, or climbing stairs, and eases with rest.
Cause:
It’s caused by repetitive stress or tension on parts of the growing skeleton, leading to inflammation where the tendon attaches to the shinbone. This often happens during growth spurts when bones, muscles, and tendons are changing rapidly.
Who’s at risk:
It’s more common in boys, but the gender gap is closing as more girls become involved in sports. Adolescents who participate in sports such as soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running have a higher risk of this disease.
Diagnosis:
Doctors usually diagnose Osgood-Schlatter disease based on a physical exam and medical history. In some cases, an X-ray may be taken to rule out other causes of knee pain
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