Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
As a physiotherapist, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping active kids and teenagers get back to doing what they love. One condition I frequently encounter is Osgood-Schlatter disease—a common knee issue that can affect growing adolescents, especially those who are into sports. If you’ve noticed your child experiencing knee pain, swelling, or discomfort during physical activity, it’s possible they may be dealing with this condition. Here’s everything you need to know about Osgood-Schlatter disease, how physiotherapy can help, and the best treatment options available.
What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling below the knee, at the tibial tuberosity (the bony bump just below the knee). It is most common during adolescence, particularly in active children involved in sports like running, jumping, or soccer. The pain comes from repeated tension on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
In my practice, I often see this condition in children who are going through growth spurts. As bones grow rapidly, the tendons and muscles may not keep up, creating additional strain. This results in inflammation at the tendon’s attachment point, which can cause the characteristic bump and discomfort.
Understanding the Growth Plate
The tibia (shinbone) has what we call growth plates, which are areas of cartilage that allow bones to lengthen during childhood. During a growth spurt, the growth plates expand quickly, but the muscles and tendons may lag behind, causing extra tension on the knee joint. For children who are highly active, this tension can lead to pain and inflammation at the tibial tuberosity—hence the development of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
What Causes Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Here are the most common causes and risk factors:
- Growth Spurts: This typically occurs between ages 8-15, with girls usually going through their growth spurt earlier than boys.
- High-Impact Sports: Activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or quick changes of direction, like basketball, soccer, or gymnastics, put additional strain on the knee.
- Tight Quadriceps Muscles: If the quadriceps muscles are tight, they pull harder on the patellar tendon, increasing tension at the attachment point.
- Partial Avulsion Fractures: In some cases, small fragments of bone may be pulled away with the tendon, causing additional discomfort.
Recognising the Symptoms
Parents often ask me, “How can I tell if my child has Osgood-Schlatter disease?” The most common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness at the tibial tuberosity, especially during activities like running or jumping.
- A bony bump just below the knee
- Swelling around the knee.
- Pain when squatting, climbing stairs, or straightening the knee
- Discomfort after physical activity, especially with high-impact sports.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment. While Osgood-Schlatter is usually self-limiting, proper management can help ease pain and prevent complications.
What's the Prognosis for Osgood-Schlatter
The good news is that Osgood-Schlatter disease is typically self-limiting. As the growth plates solidify into bone, usually between ages 14-18, the symptoms often fade away. In fact, about 90% of children will see significant improvement within 1-2 years. However, in rare cases, the pain can persist into adulthood, particularly if left untreated. That's why early physiotherapy intervention is so important.
Treatment Options for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
In my experience, a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and activity modifications is usually the best approach for treating Osgood-Schlatter disease. Here’s how physiotherapy can help:
1. Conservative Care:
a. Rest and Activity Modification: As a physiotherapist, I always recommend reducing high-impact activities—especially running and jumping—until symptoms improve.
b. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
c. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can be effective for reducing pain and swelling.d. Knee Supports: Braces or straps to reduce tension on the patellar tendon.
d. Knee Supports: I often recommend using braces or straps to reduce tension on the patellar tendon, helping ease the pain during physical activity.
e. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a key treatment to:
i. Reduce pain and inflammation in the early stages
ii. Strengthen muscles around the knee for long-term support and balance.
iii. Restore flexibility and prevent future injuries through tailored exercises.
2. Surgical Intervention:
Surgery is rare and typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments don’t work, especially if bone fragments from an avulsion fracture don’t heal properly. After surgery, rehabilitation is essential to help your child safely return to sports.
Exercises for Osgood-Schlatter Disease Recovery
One of the most important aspects of managing Osgood-Schlatter disease is strengthening and flexibility exercises. These exercises can reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.
1. Hamstring Stretch:
a. Sit or stand with one leg extended straight.
b. Bend at the hip to bring your chest toward the thigh.
c. Hold for 10–30 seconds, gradually progressing to 60 seconds, twice daily.
2. Quadriceps Stretch:
a. Stand on one leg, holding onto a stable surface for balance.
b. Pull your opposite foot toward your bottom until you feel a stretch in the front thigh.
c. Hold for 10–30 seconds, progressing to 60 seconds, twice daily.
3. Strengthening Exercise:
Isometric Wall Sits:
a. Strengthen the quadriceps and support the knee joint by performing wall sits.
b. Start by holding for 30 seconds and repeat 6 times daily.
When to Seek Help
If your child’s knee pain continues or prevents them from participating in daily activities, it’s time to seek help from a healthcare professional. Physiotherapy can greatly improve mobility, strength, and flexibility, providing a safe and effective path to recovery. Early intervention will ensure the best outcomes and prevent long-term issues.
Ready to Get Back on Track?
Don’t let knee pain slow you down! Whether your child is an athlete or just active, proper physiotherapy can help them return to their favourite activities pain-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the journey toward pain-free movement!
References:
Kuhn, J. E., et al. (2017). "Osgood-Schlatter Disease: An Overview." American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Bennell, K. L., et al. (2015). "Management of Osgood-Schlatter Disease." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
