Osgood–Schlatter Disease: Why Your Child’s Knee Pain During Sports By Dr. Kashyap Solanki | Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mumbai.
- Dr. Kashyap Solanki
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
If your child complains of knee pain after running, jumping, or playing sports, they might be experiencing Osgood–Schlatter disease — a common cause of knee pain in growing children and adolescents.
What Is Osgood–Schlatter Disease?
Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) is an overuse injury of the knee that occurs during growth spurts. It affects the tibial tuberosity — the bony bump just below the kneecap — where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone. Repeated stress from sports causes small micro-injuries at this growth area, leading to pain, swelling, and a prominent bump below the knee.
Who Gets It?
Active children aged 10–15 years, especially those involved in sports like football, basketball, athletics, or dance.
Boys and girls during their growth spurt years.
More common in those with tight quadriceps or hamstrings.
Symptoms
Pain just below the kneecap (especially during activity).
Swelling or tenderness over the bony bump on the shin.
Increased pain with running, jumping, or kneeling.
Sometimes, a visible bump remains even after recovery.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is mainly clinical. A physical examination usually confirms the condition. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to rule out other causes of knee pain or to confirm changes at the tibial tubercle.
Treatment and Recovery
The good news — Osgood–Schlatter disease is self-limiting and resolves once bone growth is complete. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and activity modification:
Rest & activity modification: Avoid painful sports temporarily.
Ice packs: To reduce pain and swelling.
Stretching and strengthening: Especially for the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Knee strap or padding: To offload stress on the tibial tuberosity.
Medication: Mild painkillers (if needed).
Children can gradually return to sports once pain subsides and flexibility improves.
Can It Cause Long-Term Problems?
In most cases, no. However, a small bump may persist below the knee, which is harmless. Chronic pain into adulthood is uncommon but can occur if the condition is ignored.
Prevention Tips
Encourage warm-up and stretching before sports.
Maintain good flexibility and strength in the thigh muscles.
Avoid overtraining and allow adequate rest days.
Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai
Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.
With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.
Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.
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