The doctor told me I have Osgu Schluffin disease! Osgood what??? Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD), while certainly a mouthful and definitely an unusual name, is actually a very common condition we see often in our practice. Named after Robert Bayley Osgood, an American orthopedic surgeon, and Carl B. Schlatter, a Swiss surgeon, who both independently described the condition around the same time, OSD is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. While the disease may sound concerning, it is generally benign and temporary, often resolving once the child stops growing. In fact, it’s really not a disease, but rather an overuse injury.
OSD is an inflammation of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity, the bony prominence at the top of the shinbone, and it’s most prevalent in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15, especially during growth spurts. During this time, bones, muscles and tendons grow at different rates. The patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone, can become tight and stressed, leading to inflammation and pain at the tibial tuberosity. That repeated stress on the growth plate (apophysis) at the top of the shin bone (tibia) can create the bump.
Many of our patients who suffer from OSD tend to be young athletes involved in sports like soccer, basketball and running, but we often see patients with this condition who are not specifically athletes, but are just active children in general. While OSD is more frequently seen in boys, the number of cases in girls has been increasing, possibly due to rising participation in sports.
The hallmark symptom of OSD is pain and swelling just below the kneecap. This pain tends to worsen with activities that involve running, jumping or squatting—movements that put strain on the front of the knee. The pain may be more intense after exercise but can improve with rest. In many cases, a visible bump or swelling may appear at the site of the tibial tuberosity, where the tendon attaches to the shinbone. Other symptoms can include tenderness when touching the area below the knee and limited range of motion in the knee joint due to discomfort. In more severe cases, pain may interfere with the ability to participate in sports or even daily activities.
But have no fear! Although Osgood-Schlatter disease can cause significant discomfort, there are many ways to treat OSD, focusing on managing symptoms while allowing the body to heal. Physical therapy can help the patient focus on stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Reducing physical activity, especially high-impact sports, is also crucial for allowing the knee to heal, and knee braces can provide added support as well. Additionally, medication and applying ice to the knee can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
While the pain from OSD can be uncomfortable, it generally resolves with time and appropriate management. If your child is experiencing this type of knee pain, or has any other orthopedic issues, please contact us at Wasserman Orthopedic and Sports Rehab (201) 371-3271 so we can help them get back onto the playing field, and stay on it!
Noah Wasserman, DPT, CSCS, is the owner of Wasserman Orthopedic and Sports Rehab in Englewood, New Jersey. wassermanorthorehab.com or (201)371-3271.
