What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease
It is more common in boys than girls and can affect one or both knees. The disease most commonly occurs in children who are involved in sports that required lots of running and jumping.
What are the risk factors?
Risk factors include:
- boys aged 11-18
- a recent growth spurt
- activities involving repetitive running and jumping
- poor footwear, mechanics and insufficient strength
Signs and symptoms
- Anterior knee pain where knee cap tendon attaches to shin (can develop lump)
- Strong ache during and/or after impact exercise
- Sometimes warm and swollen
Diagnosis and treatment
Osgood-Schlatter Disease can be diagnosed through clinical examination by a doctor or one of SportsCare’s qualified physios. Treatment includes:
- relieving discomfort through education and exercises (strengthening and stretching).
- ice, anti-inflammatories and addressing biomechanical impairments
- advice on strategies to modify training and games to reduce symptoms, as sport can make symptoms worse.