Osgood Schlatter’s disease (OSD), also known as jumper’s knee, is an apophysis (inflammation and stress injury) of the tibial tuberosity (a specific area around the tibia bone). The pioneering work of orthopaedic surgeons Robert Osgood and Carl Schlatter in the latter part of the 19th century first identified this condition. It causes swelling and anterior (front) knee pain during adolescence or as a form of repetitive strain injury in adults. For best results, OSD must be treated before it causes a wider problem in the legs, knees, feet and hips.

Osgood Schlatter’s disease occurs when children or young adults overuse their patellar tendons through overactivity in sports (football, athletics, or any sport that involves dynamic movement). The disease is most prominent during growth spurts when bone, muscles, and tendons rapidly change. OSD is often confused with Patellar tendonitis or Sinding Larson Johansson syndrome in adults. However, the disease is not exclusive, and while Osgood Schlatter’s disease is prolific in active teenagers, it may be one of many associated leg muscle, bone and tendon issues such as shin splints and repetitive strain injury (RSI).

If left untreated, Osgood Schlatter’s disease will not just go away. The knee will continue to swell, causing tenderness in and around the area and restricting movement, mainly knee extensions. OSD presents as a visually swollen knee and even a bony enlargement over the tibial tuberosity. However, your OSD will improve if you rest and don’t aggravate the knees by continuing to play sports aggressively. Osgood Schlatter’s disease is not associated with long-term knee problems when treated.

In adults, Osgood Schlatter’s disease can evolve into repetitive strain injury, which, if left untreated, will significantly inhibit daily activities and will lead to overcompensation that can change the way you walk, leading to back pain in the longer term.

What are the treatment options for Osgood Schlatter’s at Bucks Osteopathy & Physio?

In the first instance, rest and inflammation reduction are the most important treatments for Osgood Schlatter’s disease. Once we have tackled the pain and discomfort, our physiotherapists or osteopaths may recommend manual manipulation (massage) for quad muscle and tendon discomfort and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to harness the body's healing response.

Our professional private osteopaths can help reduce pressure on growth plate structures, especially around the knee and heel, by introducing a set of exercises to keep the quadriceps muscles (located on the front of your thigh above the knee) as relaxed as possible.

Your osteopath may recommend a gait analysis to advise on the overall well-being of your lower limb biomechanics. In this instance, we will assess your needs using our specialist detailed gait analysis Footscan equipment. As a result of the Footscan gait analysis, should you need orthotics to relieve Osgood Schlatter’s disease, our 3D printer made by Phits 3d will create suitable orthodontics to ensure the most accurate fit.

For people who do not want to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen, we recommend a course of acupuncture.