Osgood-Schlatter’s Syndrome, also known as Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease, is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young, active adolescents—especially boys between the ages of 10 and 14.
This condition is caused by stress on the patellar tendon, which connects the thigh muscle (quadriceps) to the shinbone (tibia). During a growth spurt, the bones grow quickly, and the muscles and tendons can become tight. When active children repeatedly use their thigh muscles—for example, during running or jumping—this tension pulls on the tendon at the top of the shinbone, where a bump called the tibial tuberosity is located.
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Over time, this constant pulling can cause:
Swelling and inflammation of the tibial tuberosity
Pain in the front of the knee
A visible bump below the kneecap
In some cases, a small piece of bone may pull away (avulsion fracture), which the body repairs by adding new bone, making the bump even more noticeable
Symptoms can vary depending on how severe the condition is. Common signs include:
Pain in one or both knees
Pain when straightening the leg or squatting
Pain during running, jumping, or stair climbing
Swelling and tenderness over the tibial tuberosity
Redness or warmth over the bump
Muscle weakness in the thigh (quadriceps)
The pain usually improves with rest and worsens with activity.
If left untreated, Osgood-Schlatter’s Syndrome can lead to:
Permanent bump below the knee
Free bone fragments (ossicles), which may require surgery
The quadriceps tendon pulls on the tibial tuberosity during physical activity. In some cases, the pull is strong enough to cause a partial fracture at this growth center. As the body repairs the area, it lays down extra bone tissue, leading to a permanent bump.
The quadriceps tendon pulls on the tibial tuberosity during physical activity. In some cases, the pull is strong enough to cause a partial fracture at this growth center. As the body repairs the area, it lays down extra bone tissue, leading to a permanent bump.
Many children with this condition report a previous knee injury. A thorough physical exam is essential. Chiropractors assess the entire lower limb, pelvis, and spine to check for biomechanical issues.
To rule out more serious conditions, your chiropractor may recommend:
X-rays
MRI scans
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further injury.
Rest and ice therapy to reduce inflammation
Manual therapy, including:
Cross friction massage
Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) stretching
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to speed up healing and reduce inflammation
Once symptoms ease, patients begin a guided exercise program to:
Stretch the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
Strengthen supporting muscles around the knee
When the knee is no longer tender:
Gradually return to sports and activity
Wear an infra-patella strap during activity to reduce stress on the tendon
Most cases resolve on their own within 12 months. However, some patients experience discomfort for 2–3 years, especially if they stay active during their growth spurts.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that looks at the entire body, not just the knee. In our experience, early treatment can:
Speed up recovery
Reduce pain
Prevent more serious problems from developing
If your child is experiencing knee pain, especially during or after sports, book an appointment with a chiropractor today.