Osgood–Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in active children and teens. It occurs when the growth plate at the top of the shinbone, the bony bump just below the kneecap (tibial tubercle), where the patellar tendon attaches, becomes irritated. Running, jumping, and growth spurts increase the pull on this area, leading to a tender lump and pain during sport.
Most cases resolve on their own as growth plates close, but symptoms can persist for weeks or months without a proper plan. We confirm the diagnosis, reduce pain, set safe activity levels, and map a clear return-to-sport so kids can stay active while they grow.
Benefits of Our Knee Pain Care
- Precise diagnosis and simple language for parents and young athletes.
- Load-modification plan to ensure the sport can continue safely.
- Home program: ice, quad/hamstring stretches, calf mobility and graded strength.
- Taping/strap options for short-term relief during busy sport blocks.
- Footwear assessment and advice, as well as in-clinic shoe fitting guidance, are available if needed.
What You Need to Know About Osgood-Schlatter’s
Who benefits most?
Active kids (around 9–16) who run, jump or kick and develop a tender lump below the kneecap. One or both knees can be affected.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Pain with running, jumping, stairs or kneeling; swelling and tenderness at the tibial tubercle; easing with rest. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, and imaging is rarely needed at the initial stage.
Treatment options
The mainstay is activity modification to pain-free levels, short courses of ice and simple analgesia as needed, plus a stretching/strength plan for the quads, hamstrings, and calves. Patellar straps or taping can offload the area for sport. Most children improve with time and a structured plan.
How it works
We assess mechanics, sport load and footwear, then map a 4–8 week plan with review points. If symptoms flare, we reduce the volume of jumping and running rather than stopping activity entirely. We’ll also guide shoe fit and surface choices, and loop in our children’s podiatry team if gait issues need closer review.
Clinic preference
Appointments are arranged by calling our reception team directly, as home visits are not available through online booking. We provide visits within a 15km radius of our Highett and Mentone clinics. A small travel fee applies if the visit is more than 5km from the clinic.
We’ll explain the condition clearly, set training rules that make sense, and support a safe return to sport. If you’re seeking practical Osgood–Schlatter disease treatment, our podiatrists tailor care to accommodate school sports, club commitments, and upcoming events.
Book an appointment or contact us for more information.