Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is caused by repetitive pulling forces of the patellar tendon on the growth plate of the shin bone, also called the tibial tuberosity. These forces can cause small fractures in the shin bone at the growth plate and inflammation from irritated surrounding tissue. Osgood-Schlatter’s disease most often occurs in activities with sprinting or jumping because they require large pulling forces of the patellar tendon. Osgood-Schlatter’s disease usually affects males aged 10-15 and females aged 8-14 years and can occur in 1 or both knees.

Signs and Symptoms

• Knee pain when jumping, running, or climbing downstairs
• Knee pain can be severe enough to cause limping
• Bony bump in front of shin at the tibial tuberosity
• Swelling around the painful area

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease has a good prognosis and symptoms normally resolve within a few weeks to months when managed appropriately. A physiotherapist can help your child manage Osgood-Schlatter’s disease by:

• Assessing movement of joints in the leg
• Analyze running, jumping, and walking patterns
• Performing tests of muscle strength in the leg
• Introducing a strength and stretching program
• Creating a return to sport program for your child