Does paediatric physiotherapy treat Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease, also known as tibial tubercle apophysitis, causes pain and tenderness at the bony bump below the kneecap while a child is growing. Running, jumping, squatting and kneeling can increase the pull of the thigh muscles through the kneecap tendon. A physiotherapist assesses pain, flexibility, hip and leg strength, landing technique and the demands of school or sport. The aim is to keep the knee moving while reducing irritation, not to push through worsening pain.

A plan may combine temporary changes to running or jumping, gentle mobility work, strengthening for the thigh and hip, and advice on warm-up and recovery. Your child may be allowed to stay active with lower-impact options if symptoms remain settled. Activity is then increased in stages, using pain during exercise and later that day as useful feedback. A home programme should feel manageable and should be adjusted when growth, sport or symptoms change.

Arrange medical review for severe or persistent pain, a new injury, marked swelling, locking, repeated giving way or a limp that does not settle with rest. Urgent assessment is needed if your child cannot bear weight or has fever with a hot, swollen knee. These signs may not fit uncomplicated Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Ask which activities are suitable now, how pain should guide exercise, whether a support or ice routine is appropriate, and what milestones should be met before full training resumes.