What is it?
Osgood Schlatters a condition that presents in children/adolescents which causes pain at the top of the shin bone near the knee (tibia).
It occurs due to repeated strain on the tendon that connects to the growing shin bone. The bone is not yet strong enough to withstand the force created at the tendon. This causes pain and inflammation into the bone where the bone is reacting to the stress. In some cases a bony lump generates due to the body creating new bone as a result of the inflammatory response.
Who gets it?
- children and adolescents who are growing
- usually occurs in active children but can occur in children who have low activity levels
What are the symptoms?
- pain below the kneecap/top of tibia (shin bone)
- worse with activity, particularly running and jumping
- swelling & a bump at the top of the tibia
Can I exercise?
- In some cases a period of rest from sports is required
- In others, activity can be continued with activity modification dependent on the symptoms
- Ice is recommended following exercise to manage inflammation
How can physiotherapy help?
- Physiotherapy can confirm the diagnosis
- Guide you on activity levels
- advise on taping or patella straps
- strengthening exercises
- stretches
