Year published: 2024
What is Osgood Schlatter / Traction Apophysitis
Osgood Schlatter is a term used to describe pain, in an area just below the knee on the lower leg. This can also be called a ‘traction apophysitis’. It affects 1 in 10 young people and is often related to growing and being active. Having pain in this area is not dangerous and is a normal reaction to your body being overprotective.
This leaflet has been produced after a review of literature and where there is a lack of evidence, a consensus of expert opinion is agreed, correct at time of publication.
Acknowledgments: APCP MSK Committee, APCP North West Regional Committee and University of Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. Further information can be found on our website https://apcp.csp.org.uk V4 Re-published May 2024 V4 Review February 2027.
References:
Djurtoft, C., Bruun, M.K., Riel, H., Hoegh, M.S., Darlow, B. and Rathleff, M.S. (2023) ‘How do we explain painful non‐traumatic knee conditions to adolescents? A multiple‐method study to develop credible explanations’, European Journal of Pain,
Neuhaus, C., Appenzeller-Herzog, C. and Faude, O., (2021) ‘A systematic review on conservative treatment options for OSGOOD-Schlatter disease’, Physical Therapy in Sport, 49, pp.178-187.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2020) Scenario: Management of suspected Osgood-Schlatter disease. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/osgood-schlatter-disease/management/management/
Rathleff, M.S., Winiarski, L., Krommes, K., Graven-Nielsen, T., Hölmich, P., Olesen, J.L., Holden, S. and Thorborg, K. (2020) ‘Activity modification and knee strengthening for Osgood-Schlatter disease: a prospective cohort study’, Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 8(4).
Updated Public Health England advice – updated in March 2017 following SACN recommendations. Available from: www.nhs.uk/ conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/.