Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

What is Osgood Schlatter’s?

• Osgood Schlatter’s is a very common cause of knee pain in children and young people. It is a condition affecting the bony lump at the top of your shin bone.
• It is caused by overusing the strong muscles at the front of the thigh (called quadriceps). These muscles often become tight as a result of rapid growth.
• Pain is usually felt during or after sport or physical activity.
• Pain is usually felt as an ache or soreness at the front of the knee. In some cases pain can be felt while walking.

Who does it affect?

• Children aged between 10 and 16 years old.
• Children taking part in activities such as jogging, jumping and sudden turning. These activities stress the patellar tendon (large tendon below knee cap).
• Children who are going through a rapid growth spurt.
• More commonly in boys than girls.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Pain, swelling, and/or tenderness just below the knee that usually gets worse during or after physical activity.
• A painful bump just below the knee that is sensitive to touch.
• Discomfort with running, kneeling, jumping and climbing up and down the stairs.

How is it managed?

Osgood Schlatter’s can usually be self-managed by:

• Modifying Activity: modifying how much exercise you are doing. School should be informed and PE lessons may need to be less vigorous and more structured.
• Ice: ice the affected area for 10 minutes especially after activity (ice or cool packs should not be placed directly on the skin but wrapped in a cloth/towel).
• Pain relief: pain relieving medication, you can discuss options with your GP or pharmacist.
• Gentle stretching: regular stretching of the hamstrings and quadriceps for 20-30 seconds (if pain allows).
• Quadriceps Stretch: Hold for 20-30 seconds making sure to keep your knees together and facing downwards. You will feel a stretch along the front of your thigh.
• Hamstring Stretch: Hold for 20-30 seconds making sure to keep your feet facing forwards and your front leg straight. You will feel a stretch along the back of your thigh.

Will it get better?

• Your symptoms will improve but some symptoms may last for up to 12 months.
• In most people, Osgood Schlatter’s goes away on its own with modified activity and time.
• You may find that your symptoms flare up with continued high impact sporting activity.
• With future growth spurts the pain may return so keep doing stretches and follow the advice given.
• If there is no improvement after 6 weeks contact your GP as you may need specific physiotherapy.