Osgood Schlatter’s: What Is It?

A condition where an inflammation of patellar (knee-cap) tendon insertion on the tibial tuberosity occurs. This occurs due to repetitive strain from the strong pull of the quadriceps.

Who gets it?

It is a very common over-use injury seen in children, usually between 10-15 years old for boys and 8-12 years old for girls. The prognosis for recovery is excellent in most cases with physiotherapy input.

What you will feel?

• Pain just below your kneecap that can be aggravated by
• physical activity- soccer, footy, basketball, cycling
• kneeling
• walking up and down stairs
• kicking a ball (knee extension)
• the tibial tuberosity and patellar tendon will usually be sore to touch and swollen

When will you feel it?

In the early stages, pain usually only after physical activity. As the condition progresses, pain becomes more common and remains regardless of the activity.

How your Move Physiotherapist will help

• modify your current activity to suit your pain levels
• encourage relative rest from aggravating activities, whilst still remaining active
• provide you strategies to deal with your pain and swelling
• when appropriate, a strengthening program- focused on your gluteal, hamstrings, gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles
• get you back to your favourite sport/activity