Tibial Apophysitis (Osgood Schlatter’s) in Sporty Children
– Expert Advice from the Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic (JSSC)
At the Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic, we regularly assess and treat active children who experience knee pain during sport. One of the most common causes of this pain, especially in growing boys aged 9–15, is a condition known as Tibial Apophysitis, more traditionally referred to as Osgood Schlatter’s Disease.
Despite the name, it isn’t a disease. It’s a growth-related overuse injury affecting the area just below the knee, where the quadriceps muscle attaches to a growth plate called the tibial apophysis.
⚠️ Why Do Children Get It?
This condition typically appears when a child’s activity level exceeds what their growing body can tolerate. It often coincides with:
- A sudden increase in sports or training
- Growth spurts (where bones grow faster than muscles can adapt)
- Fatigue, illness, poor sleep, or nutrition
During these times, added tension in the quadriceps muscle pulls on the knee’s growth plate, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes swelling.
🧒 Who Is at Risk?
Tibial Apophysitis is most common in:
- Children aged 9–15
- Those who play high-intensity sports involving jumping, sprinting, or changing direction
- More frequently seen in boys, particularly during rapid growth phases
Other contributing factors include tight hamstrings, altered shin alignment, or low Vitamin D levels.
👇 Symptoms to Look Out For
- Pain with running, squatting, jumping, or hopping
- Tenderness just below the kneecap
- Visible or tender bony lump at the top of the shin
- Discomfort with kneeling
- Symptoms usually ease with rest
If pain is persistent or worsening with activity, a thorough physiotherapy assessment is essential.
🧠 Why Choose the JSSC?
At the Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic, our experienced physiotherapists are highly trained in diagnosing and managing paediatric sports injuries. We don’t rely on unnecessary scans — instead, we use clinical expertise to provide an accurate diagnosis and an evidence-based plan.
When needed, we can refer for ultrasound or MRI to confirm diagnosis and guide recovery. Most importantly, we focus on keeping kids active, while helping them recover and build resilience.
⚽ Can My Child Keep Playing Sport?
Yes — but with guidance. At JSSC, we aim to keep children involved in sport safely. Total rest can cause further deconditioning, so we look at:
- Pain levels during/after sport
- Whether they’re limping or changing how they move
- If symptoms settle within an hour or worsen the next day
We help you adjust their load to keep them training within their current capacity.
💡 Our Approach: Building Capacity, Not Just Treating Pain
Recharge Their Battery
Children need quality sleep during growth to recover, repair tissues, and support immune function — it’s their body’s “software update.”
Eat for Energy
We guide families on supporting energy needs with:
- Balanced meals with protein, carbs, and fats
- Regular food and fluid intake on active days
- Consideration of Vitamin D supplements where needed
🏋️♂️ Rehab with Purpose
At JSSC, we design individualised rehab programs that are:
- Age-appropriate
- Progressively loaded
- Focused on improving strength, flexibility, and movement control
We avoid generic stretches that can make symptoms worse (such as quad stretches) and instead assess each child’s needs.
🧊 Managing Pain Effectively
We recommend:
- Reducing impact activities temporarily (2–4 weeks if needed)
- Using ice packs to reduce pain and swelling
- Supportive straps or taping where appropriate
- Avoiding painkillers to push through games
🚀 Returning to Sport — Safely
When symptoms ease, we help your child gradually return to full sport, rather than jumping straight back into high intensity. A tailored return-to-play plan allows their body to adapt safely.
🔁 Preventing Recurrence
Many flare-ups occur in:
- Week 3 of a school term/season
- Times of illness, stress, or poor sleep
At JSSC, we teach families how to monitor load vs capacity, adjust training volumes, and maintain strength to prevent recurring pain.
📅 Book Your Child’s Assessment Today
If your child is experiencing knee pain during sport, don’t wait. Our team at Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic can provide a clear diagnosis, personalised treatment plan, and expert support to keep them active and progressing.
We’re passionate about helping young athletes grow strong, stay resilient, and enjoy their sport — pain-free.
👉 Contact us now to book an assessment.
Adapted from Kidsback2sport.com