🦵 Osgood–Schlatter Disease / "Growing pains": A Parent’s Guide

❓ What it is

• A common and temporary cause of knee pain in growing children and teenagers

• Often occurs during growth spurts 📈

• Most common in active children who play sports that involve jumping or sudden changes of direction e.g football, basketball, tennis⚽🏀

🔍 Why it happens

• During adolescence, the area where muscle tendons attach to is still developing and therefore is not as robust as when seen in adults

• Running and jumping sports place repeated stress on the knee 🏃‍♂️

• This stress irritates the area just below the kneecap

⚠️ Signs parents may notice

• Knee pain during or after sports and physical activity

• Swelling or tenderness just below the kneecap

• A small, hard bump on the front of the knee

• Limping or avoiding activities your child normally enjoys

✅ Is it serious?

• It is not dangerous and does not cause long-term knee damage

• Pain may last weeks or months but usually resolves as growth slows

🧊 How it’s treated

• Reducing or modifying activities that trigger pain

• Applying ice after activity to help reduce swelling ❄️

• Stretching tight leg muscles

• Physiotherapy to help strengthen muscles

• Pain-relief medication only if advised by a healthcare professional

🤝 How parents can help

• Encourage rest when pain increases

• Avoid pushing your child to “play through” pain

• Support regular warm-ups and gentle stretching

• Communicate with coaches about activity limits and modifications 🗣️

🩺 When to see a Physiotherapist

• Pain is severe, persistent, or worsening

• Pain affects daily activities, not just sports

• Swelling, redness, or pain occurs without activity

• You want reassurance or a clear treatment plan

🌟 What to expect

• Most children recover fully

• Sports participation can often continue with adjustments

• A small bump below the knee may remain but is harmless