What is Osgood-Schlatters Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a condition of the growth plate in the knee (similar to Sever’s Disease – check out our previous blog post). Osgood-Schlatter is not an actual disease, but a highly manageable condition of the musculoskeletal system. The pain experienced by people with OSD is a result of repetitive strain from the patella tendon pulling on the growth plate of the tibial tuberosity situated below the knee - this causes inflammation to occur especially during sporting activities.
Who is most likely to get OSD?
Osgood-Schlatter typically presents in growing adolescents, and is more common in young males than females. The most prevalent incidence rates are between 13-15 years of age in males and 10-12 years of age in females. Adolescents who participate in running or jumping sports such as athletics, soccer, basketball, netball and gymnastics are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Signs and symptoms of OSD
- Localised pain and swelling just below the knee at the site of the patella tendon insertion (see picture above)
- Pain experienced during exercise, particularly when running or jumping
- Pain with direct pressure on the area such as when kneeling on the ground
- Stairs, squatting and lunging positions may also provoke pain
- In later stages of the condition, a visible lump may be present
In 20-30% of cases symptoms can occur in both knees, however in the majority of cases OSD only occurs in one knee.
Management of OSD
A physiotherapist will be able to diagnose Osgood-Schlatter based on a brief history of the presenting symptoms and some simple tests. They will determine the severity of the condition, address the contributing factors and discuss goals to create a highly individualised treatment and management plan.
Key management strategies of Osgood-Schlatter that a physiotherapist will implement include:
- Massage to tight structures particularly quadriceps, hamstrings, illio-tibial band and calves
- Recommendations around load management to ensure symptoms improve and to prevent reoccurrence
- Strength, stretches and mobility drills to address biomechanical deficits
- Self-management such as icing, foam-rolling and taping to off-load the painful area
If you suspect your child has Osgood-Schlatters or if they have any form of knee pain, please call us on 6237 0045 to book an assessment today! Our physiotherapists are here to help.
Written by Erin Jeffrey (MPhysio, BApSci, APAM)