Osgood-Schlatter disease
Why does my child have a painful bump below the kneecap?
A common growth-related cause of knee pain in active children and teenagers. It usually settles as growth finishes.
What it feels like
Pain and a tender bump just below the kneecap, at the top of the shin, worse with running, jumping, kneeling and stairs. It usually affects children and teenagers aged about 10 to 15 who play sport.
What is actually happening
During growth spurts, the patellar tendon pulls on the growth plate at the top of the shin, which becomes irritated. It is related to growth and activity, is not dangerous, and usually settles once growth at that site finishes.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if there is pain at night, pain in both knees with feeling unwell, significant swelling, or pain that does not match the activity pattern described here.
How it is assessed
Assessment includes the location of pain, the child’s sport and training load, flexibility and strength of the thigh and hip, and screening of other causes of knee pain in young athletes.
How it is treated
A systematic review of conservative treatment found that education, activity modification and exercise are the main approaches, although research quality is limited. Treatment focuses on adjusting the amount of running and jumping to a level the knee tolerates rather than stopping sport entirely, plus strengthening and flexibility work, with reassurance that it settles with growth.
What to do first
Reduce the total amount of jumping and sprinting for now, use ice after activity if it helps, and have it assessed to set a sensible activity plan with your child and their coach.
Where this is assessed
- The Runner's Academy St. Clair West · Mon/Wed/Fri · 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Book at Runner's Academy
- Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres Yonge & Eglinton · Mon/Wed/Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book at Athlete's Care
References
This page is based on the following clinical practice guidelines and research.