Login

Contact Info

Information for Parents

Information for Parents

Understanding your child's orthopaedic condition can be overwhelming. Our Information Sheets for Parents provide clear, reliable, and expert-reviewed guidance on a wide range of paediatric orthopaedic conditions, treatments, and recovery processes.

These resources are designed to help you:

  • Learn about common conditions and their management
  • Understand treatment options and what to expect
  • Support your child’s recovery and rehabilitation

Explore our library of easy-to-read information sheets to feel more informed and confident in your child’s care.

Information Sheets

Click on the tiles below to read more information about each condition, and to download a printable PDF information sheet.

Osgood-Schlatter's disease
16/04/2025

Osgood-Schlatter's disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing children. It causes pain just below the kneecap, at the front of the shinbone (tibia).

It often affects active children and adolescents during growth spurts.

  • Girls: typically between ages 8–12
  • Boys: typically between ages 10–15

The condition is harmless and usually goes away on its own once growth slows down.

What Causes the Pain ?

The pain is caused by tension from the thigh muscles pulling on the spot where the kneecap tendon attaches to the shinbone, near a growth plate (apophysis). This repeated tension can irritate the area, causing pain and swelling. Several factors can contribute:

  • Fast growth during puberty
  • Sports with jumping or sprinting
  • Weak or tight thigh and hip muscles

How Does It Present?

Your child may have:

  • Pain just below the kneecap, especially with movement.
  • Swelling or a bony bump at the front of the shin.
  • Pain with touch, kneeling, jumping, or running.
  • No pain at rest (sitting or lying down).
  • Symptoms lasting months, sometimes up to 2 years.
  • Occasionally affects both knees.

How Is It Treated?

  • Rest when in pain is important. Your child should not push through discomfort.
  • Limit activities that involve running, jumping, or kneeling. Opt for lower-impact options like cycling or swimming. 
  • Avoid sitting with knees bent or staying in the same position for long periods.
  • Apply cold packs after activity (always wrapped in a towel, never directly on the skin).
  • Include warm-up & cool-down routines before and after activity (about 15 min, 2–3 times daily).
  • If needed, paracetamol can be used for pain
    (Other painkillers or corticosteroid injections are not recommended)
  • Exercises can help by:
    • Stretching tight thigh muscles
    • Strengthening hip and leg muscles
    • Improving balance and knee control

Additional information 

  • Diagnosis is clinical. X-rays are rarely needed.
  • The condition is benign and improves with time.
  • A bump below the knee may persist after symptoms resolve; this is harmless

Consult your doctor if your child…

  • Has severe pain or pain at night
  • Develops swelling of the whole knee
  • Has fever, weight loss, or other symptoms
  • Still has pain 4–6 weeks after modifying activity
  • Can’t return to daily activities or sports

Download the information sheet for Osgood-Schlatter disease

Click on the image below to download the printable information sheet for Osgood-Schlatter disease.