Réhabital
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment
A painful bump below the kneecap in a sporty teenager is almost always Osgood-Schlatter disease. The condition is benign, but it responds far better to a structured load plan than to plain rest.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
During the growth spurt the patellar tendon pulls on the tibial tubercle, a growth cartilage zone that is still fragile. Repeated traction from jumping, sprinting and cutting causes local inflammation and a tender bony prominence. It mainly affects boys aged 12 to 15 and girls aged 10 to 13, often on both sides, and coincides with periods when bones grow faster than muscles.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Growth spurt
Bones lengthen faster than muscles, increasing patellar tendon tension.
High sport volume
Several sessions weekly without recovery overload the tubercle.
Quadriceps tightness
A short quadriceps directly increases pull on the growth zone.
Glute and trunk weakness
Poor pelvic control transfers load to the knee.
Our Treatment Approach
We do not place the teenager on complete rest. We adjust load: temporarily reduce jumping and sprinting, keep sport at a tolerable intensity, then reintroduce progressively using a clear pain threshold. Alongside, we work on quadriceps and hamstring flexibility, progressive eccentric quadriceps strengthening, glute strength, and jump and landing technique. Osteopathy releases the anterior chain, pelvis and ankle, reducing pull on the tubercle. We also coach parents and coaches, because managing the sport calendar makes the biggest difference.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
45 minute sessions, usually every one to two weeks, with a simple home programme. Clear improvement within six to twelve weeks.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Ice after sport.
- Stretch quadriceps and hamstrings daily.
- Use an infrapatellar strap during games if it helps.
- Avoid kneeling directly on the bump.
- Keep at least one rest day from sport each week.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
The condition resolves at the end of growth when the cartilage closes. A painless bony bump may remain. Pain generally settles within six to eighteen months.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if pain limits sport or walking, or if it is present at rest and at night, which requires ruling out other diagnoses.
Why Réhabital Clinic
We manage the sport calendar with the family instead of imposing a full stop, protecting the young athlete motivation and fitness.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
Related Conditions
Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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