Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease in Active Kids & Teens

A Physiotherapist’s Guide for Parents and Young Athletes

Knee pain in growing children is incredibly common — especially in kids who love sport. One of the most frequent causes we see at True Active Physiotherapy is Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, a growth-related condition that can significantly impact training, confidence, and enjoyment of sport if not managed well.

The good news?With the right physiotherapy approach, most young athletes can stay active, reduce pain, and continue developing safely during growth spurts.

What Is Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is a growth-related knee condition most commonly affecting children and teenagers aged 9–15 years.

It occurs where the patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone (tibial tuberosity). During periods of rapid growth, this area can become irritated by repeated pulling forces from the quadriceps muscle — especially with running, jumping, and kicking.

Importantly:

• It is not dangerous

• It does not cause long-term knee damage

• But it does need proper management to avoid persistent pain and missed sport

Which Kids Are Most at Risk?

Osgood-Schlatter’s is most common in:

• Children going through rapid growth spurts

• Kids training or competing multiple times per week

• Athletes in sports involving high knee loads

We commonly see it in young athletes playing:

• Soccer

• AFL

• Basketball

• Netball

• Gymnastics

• Athletics

Often, symptoms appear when training loads increase suddenly — such as pre-season, finals periods, or when kids play multiple sports at once.

Common Symptoms Parents Notice

Parents often tell us their child has:

• Pain or tenderness just below the kneecap

• A visible or tender bump on the shin

• Pain that worsens after training or games

• Discomfort with stairs, squatting, jumping, or kneeling

• A limp or reluctance to train

• Reduced confidence with sport

Pain can be mild at first but gradually worsen if ignored.

Common Myths About Osgood-Schlatter’s

❌ “They just need to stop sport completely”

❌ “They should push through it”

❌ “It will go away on its own without doing anything”

In reality, neither full rest nor pushing through pain leads to good outcomes.

👉 The most effective approach is smart load management combined with targeted physiotherapy.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Osgood-Schlatter’s

At True Active Physiotherapy, management focuses on keeping kids active where possible, while protecting their growing knees.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Training and game load guidance (not just “stop everything”)

• Quadriceps, hip, and trunk strengthening

• Movement control during running, jumping, and landing

• Taping to offload the patella tendon

• Technique coaching to reduce knee stress

• Pain-modifying strategies for school and sport

The goal is not just pain relief — but helping young athletes develop resilient movement patterns that support their long-term sporting future.

Can Kids Keep Playing Sport?

In many cases, yes — with adjustments.

Whether a child can continue playing depends on:

• Pain levels during and after activity

• How quickly symptoms settle

• Current training and game volume

• Stage of growth

Some kids may:

• Continue full training with minor modifications

• Reduce training volume temporarily

• Limit games while maintaining skill work or strength training

Decisions are based on symptoms and function, not scans or fear-based restrictions.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

We recommend a physiotherapy assessment if:

• Knee pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks

• Pain is affecting performance or confidence

• Your child is limping or avoiding activity

• Symptoms keep flaring up during the season

• You’re unsure whether your child should keep playing

Early guidance often prevents months of frustration later.

How We Help at True Active Physiotherapy

Athena, one of our physiotherapists at True Active, has a special interest in working with junior and adolescent athletes, particularly those navigating growth-related injuries like Osgood-Schlatter’s disease.

Her approach focuses on:

• Keeping kids active where safe

• Supporting healthy development through growth spurts

• Educating parents and athletes

• Building strength and confidence, not fear around movement

Book an Adolescent Knee Assessment

If your child is struggling with knee pain during sport, early physiotherapy can make a big difference.

👉 Book an assessment with Athena at True Active Physiotherapy in Dingley Village We’ll help your child manage pain, stay involved in sport, and move confidently through their growing years.