Osgood-Schlatter in Active Kids: A Growing Pain

A Common Cause of Knee Pain in Young Athletes

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a frequent reason for knee pain in active children and teens, especially those going through a growth spurt. It typically affects kids aged 10 to 15, and is more common in sports that involve running, jumping, or rapid changes in direction — like soccer, basketball, and athletics. It can affect up to 1 in 10 active children, often appearing in one knee (though both can be affected). While it’s not dangerous, the pain can interfere with school, sport, and even sleep, making it a real concern for growing bodies and their families.

What’s Going On in the Knee?

Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone pulls on a growth area called the tibial tuberosity — the bump just below the kneecap. During growth spurts, this area is softer and more vulnerable. Repetitive stress from sports can cause irritation, swelling, and pain at that spot. Over time, a noticeable bump may appear under the knee. The pain usually flares up during or after activity and improves with rest. While it sounds serious, Osgood-Schlatter is not permanent — it usually settles once growth slows down.

What Helps Kids Recover?

Physiotherapy focuses on pain management and a gradual return to sport. Effective treatments include:

• Activity modification — reducing high-impact sports until pain settles
• Stretching the quads, hamstrings, and calves
• Strengthening exercises for the hips and thighs
• Icing after activity to reduce swelling
• Patellar tendon straps or taping to offload the sore area

It’s important not to “push through the pain” — this can make the condition worse or last longer. Most kids improve over a few months, but in some, symptoms can come and go until their bones stop growing.

What Doesn’t Help Much

Resting completely for long periods isn’t necessary and may delay recovery. Anti-inflammatories can reduce symptoms but don’t address the underlying muscle imbalances. Surgery is almost never needed. Scans like X-rays may show the bump, but are usually not required unless the pain is severe or not improving.

Avoid focusing on the bump itself — it may stay prominent for life, but it’s harmless and pain-free once the condition resolves.

What’s Ahead in Managing Growing Pains?

Future care may include better screening tools to identify kids at risk, and individualised sport load tracking to prevent flare-ups. Apps for monitoring symptoms and guiding home exercises are growing in popularity. There’s also research into how muscle tightness and coordination affect the development of Osgood-Schlatter and other growth-related conditions.

How to Prevent It in Active Kids

• Warm up properly before training or games
• Stretch the quads, calves, and hamstrings regularly
• Build hip and thigh strength to offload the knee
• Avoid sudden increases in training volume
• Encourage cross-training (like swimming or cycling) to reduce impact