Osgood-Schlatter Disease is caused by an inflammation of the cartilage at the top of the shinbone, and generally occurs during the growth spurt experienced by a child during puberty. This cartilage is known as the growth plate, as it is where most of the bone’s growth happens. The bones, tendons and muscles develop at different speeds, and the tendon that links the shinbone to the kneecap can end up pulling on the growth plate.
Energetic activities and sports can cause this pulling to happen repeatedly, which results in injury to the growth plate. The symptoms of the condition include physical discomfort and swelling below the kneecap, along with an aching pain which becomes more acute when running or jumping.
It is sometimes necessary for a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter Disease to be confirmed by an X-Ray, where the damage to the growth plate should be clearly visible.
For more information about the different phases of puberty, including the physical and physiological changes that the body will experience, we recommend having a read of the following article: