Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Knee Pain in Active Kids

If your active child or teenager has pain and a tender bump just below the kneecap, Osgood-Schlatter disease is a likely cause. It is common in kids who play running and jumping sports during growth spurts, and although it can be frustrating, it is not serious and it does go away.

What is it?

The patellar tendon runs from the kneecap to a bony point at the top of the shin, called the tibial tuberosity. In growing children this point is a growth plate, which is softer than adult bone. Repeated pulling from the tendon during sport irritates the growth plate, causing pain, swelling and sometimes a bony lump. It is a cousin of Sever’s disease in the heel.

Who gets it?

It is most common between about 10 and 15 years, during growth spurts, in children who play sports like football, basketball, netball, athletics and gymnastics. One or both knees can be affected.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
• A swollen or prominent bump at the top of the shin
• Pain with running, jumping, kneeling, squatting and stairs
• Pain that eases with rest

Treatment

The aim is to keep your child active while the pain settles:

• Adjust the amount of running and jumping to a level that causes only mild discomfort, rather than stopping sport completely
• Ice after activity for short-term relief
• Stretching and strengthening for the thigh, hip and calf muscles
• Knee straps or taping during sport
• Footwear advice and, for some children, orthotics to improve how load passes up the leg

Symptoms can come and go for a year or more, and usually stop once growth finishes. The bump may remain but is rarely a problem.

When to see someone

See your GP or a podiatrist if the pain is severe, the knee is very swollen, red or hot, your child limps or can’t play, or the pain started after a fall. Our podiatrists at Shellharbour Village and Shellharbour City offer children’s podiatry. Contact us to book.