Understanding Knee Pain in Young Athletes: Focus on Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among youth athletes. Research shows that 15–30% of young athletes experience knee pain, particularly during running, jumping, and high-impact sports. One of the leading causes in adolescents is a condition called Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD).

What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse injury that affects the tibial tuberosity (just below the kneecap), where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone. It typically appears during growth spurts (ages 10–15) when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons can adapt.

Symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling below the kneecap
• Tender bump at the tibial tubercle
•  Pain that worsens with running, jumping, or kneeling
• Usually affects one knee (unilateral)

Risk Factors

• Growth spurts – rapid bone growth increases strain on the tendon
• High-impact sports – basketball, soccer, volleyball, and year-round training increase risk
• Tight muscles – limited flexibility in the quadriceps and hamstrings

Assessment & Diagnosis

At Pain Free Health, our physiotherapists assess OSD through:

History and exam – tenderness at the tibial tubercle

Movement testing – pain with resisted knee extension or flexion

Differentiation from other conditions such as jumper’s knee, meniscus injuries, or patellar tendonitis

Treatment & Management

The good news? Osgood-Schlatter is a self-limiting condition that usually resolves as the child reaches skeletal maturity. However, physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve function, and speed up recovery.

Our approach includes:

• Hands-on therapy, shockwave, and IMS (dry needling) – when indicated
• Activity modification – limiting aggravating activity without full rest
• Ice & inflammation control – post-activity icing strategies
• Strengthening – focus on quadriceps, glutes, and hip stabilizers
• Stretching – improving flexibility of quads, hamstrings, and IT band
• Patellar strap or taping – to offload stress during sports

Prognosis

Most athletes recover well with conservative management. A small bump at the tibial tubercle may remain but is generally painless. Surgery is rarely required.

Prevention & Education

• Warm up properly before activity
• Maintain flexibility with regular stretching
• Balance training loads and allow recovery time
• Encourage cross-training (cycling, swimming) to reduce repetitive strain

Case Example

At our clinic, we recently treated a basketball player with over a year of knee pain. After a thorough assessment, we designed a tailored program including shockwave therapy, IMS, taping, and progressive strengthening. Over time, the athlete regained stability and reduced pain, allowing safe return to sport.

Physiotherapy for Youth Athletes at Pain Free Health

At Pain Free Health clinics across South Surrey, Richmond, Ladner, Langley, White Rock, Queensborough, and Surrey, we specialize in treating youth athletes with knee pain, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and other sports injuries.

Our goal is to get young athletes back to the game safely and stronger than before.

👉 Book an appointment today with one of our physiotherapists to learn more about safe and effective management of youth knee pain.