Osgood Schlatter is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions I see. If you’re young, active, and have pain below your knee, it doesn’t always mean Osgood Schlatter! Seriously!
This condition isn’t hereditary and mainly affects young people but can show up in adults too.
Here’s something interesting: in my experience, it usually affects only one side. Why? Is one leg growing faster? Is only one side under stress? That right there is your clue that the common explanation might not add up.
What is Osgood Schlatter?
Osgood Schlatter happens when imbalanced posture affects an active young person. It usually shows up in one leg, near the knee joint. Many think it’s a knee problem, but it’s actually related to the tibia. That’s the larger of the two lower leg bones. The tendon connecting the kneecap to the tibia pulls on the bone over time, causing pain.
You might think it’s just for baseball players, but I see it in swimmers, runners, and other active young people.
What Causes Osgood Schlatter?
Tight quadriceps create tension at the point where the tendon attaches below the kneecap. This persistent pull causes pain and may even form a bump. But are the quads the root cause? Nope! The real question is, why is one quad tighter or pulling more than the other?
Most sports favor one side of the body, creating imbalances. Over time, intense activity and injuries make these imbalances worse. So blaming the quads is like blaming the ground when you trip!
Can Osgood Schlatter Go Away?
Yes, Osgood Schlatter can go away. The uneven pull that caused it can be corrected. Sometimes the bump it creates needs surgical removal if it causes issues. However, not all cases have a bump, and misdiagnosis is common.
Osgood Schlatter isn’t age-related, but it’s more common in young, active people because of their developmental stage.
What Is The Treatment For Osgood Schlatter?
The conventional approach includes pain meds, bracing, icing, and rest. These may calm the pain but won’t fix the problem. You don’t need to quit your favorite sport either. The imbalance causing Osgood Schlatter won’t disappear with meds or rest alone.
Natural treatment isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Here’s how I address it in my clinic:
- Acute and Sub-Acute Phases:
- Cold Laser Therapy: Reduces pain and inflammation.
- Ice Therapy: Offers immediate relief, but contrast therapy helps better after the first day.
- Nutritional Support: Boost your intake of vitamin C, D, magnesium, and protein for faster healing.
- Taping: Provides knee support during acute phases.
- Postural Imbalance Assessment: Once the pain subsides, I assess the patient for postural imbalances. Correcting these imbalances is the key to preventing future issues. This involves postural neurology and functional movement training.
- Chronic Osgood Schlatter:
- Chronic Osgood Schlatter happens when the condition is “treated” without addressing the root cause. Managing pain alone isn’t enough. When you misuse or overuse certain body parts, it affects the brain’s map of movement, called the homunculus. This impacts how your body moves and functions. Postural neurology strengthens weak areas in the brain responsible for posture. Using positive neuroplasticity, we retrain the brain for better movement. Developmental kinesiology helps correct improper movement patterns. These treatments address the real cause of Osgood Schlatter. The videos below are an example.
Postural imbalances don’t develop overnight and won’t disappear overnight. Fixing them requires proper exercises—not random gym workouts that could worsen the problem. Start by checking out my videos on YouTube. If you have questions, feel free to email or call.
Check out for more videos on my YouTube channel and start doing what you see there. Meanwhile, contact us if you have any questions.
Dr.Shakib
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