Pediatrics
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Knee pain just below the kneecap in growing, active adolescents.
Also called: Growth plate knee pain.
Osgood-Schlatter involves the growth area at the top of the shin where the patellar tendon attaches. It is common in active adolescents during growth spurts, particularly those involved in running or jumping sports, and is typically self-limiting over time.
Pain and tenderness are usually localised just below the kneecap and are often worse with activity and better with rest.
Why this matters
Managing training load, rather than stopping sport entirely, is usually the practical conversation, since complete rest is often unnecessary and not always realistic for an active teenager.
Understanding what is happening and why can reduce worry for both the adolescent and their parents.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Hip and ankle mechanics affect how load travels through the knee, so the whole limb is assessed rather than focusing on the painful spot alone.
Evaluating movement patterns during running and jumping can help identify adjustable contributors to how much load reaches the growth area.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Adolescent knee pain that is severe, associated with swelling, or not improving should be medically assessed.
- Significant swelling or inability to bear weight
- Knee pain following a specific injury
- Pain that is worsening rather than following the usual pattern
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Family Wellness — Care for children and adults is individualized in technique and force.
- Chiari Malformation — A medical condition requiring specialist care — support only, within scope.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — A medically diagnosed connective tissue condition that changes how care is delivered.
- Growing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain — Aching in growing children, which should first be medically evaluated.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.