Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Growth-related knee pain in adolescents, at the bony bump below the kneecap.
Osgood-Schlatter's is the knee equivalent of Sever's — irritation where the patellar tendon attaches to the growing shin bone. It's common in adolescents through growth spurts, particularly in jumping and sprinting sports, and it responds well to managing load and building strength through the quadriceps and calf.
What we look at
What it feels like
Pain and a tender, sometimes prominent bump just below the kneecap, worse with jumping, sprinting, kneeling and stairs.
Why it happens
Rapid growth plus high tendon load. Bone lengthens faster than the muscle-tendon unit adapts.
What helps
Load modification, progressive quadriceps and calf strengthening, and attention to training spikes — particularly across season changeovers.
Prognosis
Self-limiting, resolving as growth plates close. The bump may persist painlessly.
What to expect
Your appointment, stage by stage.
Assessment
History, physical examination, gait and movement analysis, and objective strength testing where it's relevant. We're building a picture of what the limb can currently tolerate.
Diagnosis
A clear explanation of what's happening and why — in plain language, with the reasoning shown. Imaging or onward referral where it will change the plan.
Treatment
A staged plan combining manual therapy, exercise prescription, footwear or orthotic support and activity modification, weighted to what your presentation actually needs.
Follow-up
Re-testing against the baseline so progress is measured, not assumed, and the plan adjusts as capacity improves.
Common questions
Osgood-Schlatter, answered.
Is it serious?
No. It's painful but self-limiting and doesn't cause long-term damage.
Can they keep playing?
Generally yes, with adjusted volume. Complete withdrawal is rarely necessary and often counterproductive.
Will the bump go away?
It may reduce but can remain. Once symptoms settle, a painless bump isn't a problem.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're in pain, an assessment is the only way to know what's actually happening — book online or call 9284 0736.
