OSGOOD SCHLATTER DISEASE
What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a leading cause of knee pain in children and teenagers, especially those playing sports. It affects the bump just below the kneecap (the tibial tuberosity) where the patellar tendon attaches. Growth spurts and athletic activity place extra stress on this area, causing pain and swelling.
Who gets it?
- Most common in ages 9–15
- Especially prevalent in sporty, active kids
- Children who are 'physically' stressed which can often be due to inability to process or express emotional stress
- Up to 1 in 10 adolescents may be affected
What Are the Symptoms?
- Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
- Swelling or a visible bump at the front of the knee
- Discomfort during or after sports or physical activity
- Difficulty kneeling, running, or jumping
- Pain on kneeling or taking impact on the knee (see image)
How Can Parents Spot It?
You don’t need a scan or X-ray to suspect OSD. Watch for:
1. Location of pain: Front of the knee, just below the kneecap.
2. Activity-related: Pain worsens with running, jumping, or sports, and eases with rest.
3. Swelling or lump: Noticeable bump at the top of the shinbone.
4. No major injury: Pain isn’t from a specific fall or accident.
If these signs fit your child, Osgood-Schlatter is likely.
How is OSD Treated?
Old thinking:
Doctors used to say OSD is “self-resolving” and will go away in 12–18 months, especially after growth finishes.
New evidence:
Recent research shows pain and weakness can persist much longer—even into adulthood. Up to 60% of children may still have pain years later if not managed well (Horobeanu et al., 2024).
Current advice:
- Rest isn’t always best. Stopping all activity isn’t supported by evidence.
- Modify, don’t stop. Reduce aggravating activities but keep moving as tolerated.
- Strength and rehab matter. Building leg strength and function aids recovery and prevents future problems.
- Pain management. Ice, gentle stretching, and pain relief can help.
- Professional guidance. Physiotherapy guides safe return to sport and improves outcomes.
How True Core™ Changes the Game
Prevention, Management, and Treatment - All in One
True Core is a revolutionary approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation, trusted by elite sports teams and physiotherapists.
How True Core Prevents OSD
- Movement Intelligence:
True Core trains the deepest core muscles, enhancing body mechanics and distributing load away from vulnerable areas like the knees. This is skill like handwriting or playing an instrument which I specialise in teaching.
- Real-Time Feedback:
Using the True Core wearable, athletes and coaches can monitor core engagement and movement patterns, catching early signs of overload before pain develops.
- Progressive Training:
Regular True Core sessions build a central place of stability, reducing risk of OSD flare-ups during growth and intense training.
Managing OSD with True Core
- Symptom Monitoring:
Weekly check ins (including pain, function, and muscle strength) flag early OSD symptoms, so training loads can be adjusted before problems escalate (Horobeanu et al., 2024).
- Load Management:
With an enhanced control of the core your child will be able to ease the load bearing status through the thigh muscles, the shin and groin which all become tight if the core is not functional
- Targeted Rehab:
I will ensure that your child has the awareness needed to take responsibility for themselves as they need to learn what is going on and how to manage it themselves when at home and away from their sessions with me.
Treating OSD if It Happens
- Integrated Approach: True Core blends pain management, progressive loading, and neuro-integrative rehab to address both symptoms and underlying causes.
- Personalised Recovery: Each athlete receives a tailored plan based on their True Core assessment, ensuring effective, safe, and lasting results.
Why Does It Matter?
OSD isn’t just “growing pains.”
- It can limit sports and social life during key years
- Ongoing pain can affect strength, movement, and confidence
- Long-term issues are possible without proper management
True Core empowers young athletes to recover quickly, stay active, and build lifelong resilience.
What Should Parents Do?
- Watch for the signs listed above
- Don’t ignore persistent pain - this is true for any issue as kids are very adept at moving 'around' the pain to get on with what they love to do - playing, being silly and all those other fun things!
- Seek help early - all you need to do is call me on 07979275298 - or email [email protected] for a chat / appointment.
Get Rapid Support
If you think your child may have Osgood-Schlatter disease, don’t wait for it to “just go away.”
Contact me today for expert assessment, guidance, and a True Core-powered plan to help your child recover, stay active, and thrive.
Ready to help your child get back to sport, pain-free?
Email [email protected] or book an appointment here for a professional assessment.
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References
Horobeanu, C., Jones, T., & Johnson, A. (2024). Can we limit training days lost due to Osgood-Schlatter's disease in junior squash athletes? British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace in person medical advice. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please get in touch.
