Osgood-Schlatters Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common growth-related condition that causes pain, swelling and tenderness at the bony bump just below the kneecap, where the patellar tendon attaches to the growth plate of the tibia (shinbone). It most often affects active, growing children and teenagers, and it typically settles as the skeleton matures [1].

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

During growth spurts, the bones, muscles and tendons around the knee can develop at different rates. The thigh (quadriceps) muscles pull on the patellar tendon, which in turn pulls on the still-developing growth plate at the top of the shinbone. In active children this repeated traction can irritate and inflame the area, producing a tender, sometimes prominent lump below the kneecap [1].

What causes it, and what are the symptoms?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is usually linked to repetitive stress from running, jumping and quick changes of direction — common in sports such as soccer, basketball, netball, AFL and athletics. Contributing factors can include rapid growth spurts, tight or weak thigh muscles, and lower-limb biomechanics.

Typical signs include:

• Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap, often on one or both knees
• A firm, swollen bump over the top of the shinbone
• Pain that worsens with running, jumping, kneeling or going up and down stairs
• Discomfort that eases with rest

How does Blueprint Podiatry help?

Our podiatry team takes time to understand what's loading your child's knee. We assess foot and leg mechanics, muscle flexibility and strength, training load and footwear. Because every one of our podiatrists is a certified Level 1 Running Coach, we can carry out a genuine gait and running assessment to identify movement patterns that may be adding stress to the growth plate.

Management is focused on settling symptoms and keeping your child active where appropriate. Conservative care is the mainstay for Osgood-Schlatter disease, and the evidence supports approaches such as activity modification, targeted strengthening and stretching, and load management [2]. Depending on the assessment findings, care may include:

• Advice on activity and training-load modification
• Stretching and strengthening guidance for the lower limb
• Footwear recommendations
• Custom orthotics where mechanics are a contributing factor — 3D scanned and 3D printed in-house at our Tuggerah clinic, as patient-matched left/right devices
• Additional clinic modalities such as shockwave therapy or dry needling where clinically indicated
• Collaboration with your GP or physiotherapist for a coordinated plan

When should you seek help?

Book an assessment if your child has persistent knee pain that limits sport or daily activities, pain that isn't improving with rest, or if you're simply unsure how to manage symptoms safely. Early advice can help your child stay comfortable and active while the condition runs its natural course.

Related services

• Sports Injury Podiatrist & Rehab Services
• Running Biomechanical Assessment