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Knee

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a painful condition affecting the tibial tubercle — the bony bump just below the kneecap. It is caused by irritation of the growth plate and is most common in active adolescents.

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Typical Recovery Time
2-3 months; resolves with skeletal maturity

Symptoms

  • •Pain and swelling just below the kneecap
  • •Tenderness at the tibial tubercle
  • •Pain worsens with activity
  • •Prominent bony bump below the knee

Common Causes

  • •Rapid growth spurts
  • •Repetitive stress from sports involving running and jumping
  • •Tight quadriceps muscles

Treatment Options

1Rest and activity modification
2Ice after activity
3NSAIDs
4Quadriceps stretching and strengthening
5Infrapatellar strap

When to See a Doctor

If pain is severe, affects daily activities, or does not improve with rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is irritation of the growth area at the front of the shinbone just below the kneecap. It is common in growing athletes. It often causes pain and a tender bump below the knee.
What causes Osgood-Schlatter disease?
It is caused by repeated pulling of the patellar tendon on the growth plate during running and jumping. Growth spurts can make the area more sensitive. Sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track can trigger symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness below the kneecap. Pain is usually worse with running, jumping, squatting, or kneeling. Symptoms often improve with rest.
How is Osgood-Schlatter disease treated?
Treatment includes activity modification, ice, stretching, and strengthening exercises. A patellar tendon strap may help reduce discomfort during sports. Symptoms usually improve as growth slows and the growth plate matures.
Can my child keep playing sports?
Many athletes can continue sports if pain is manageable and they are not limping. Activity should be reduced during flare-ups. Return to full activity is safest once running, jumping, and stairs are comfortable.
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