Overview
About Growth-Related Bone Problems
During the rapid growth spurts of childhood and adolescence, the points where tendons attach to growing bone (apophyses) are particularly vulnerable to repetitive stress, especially in active children involved in running and jumping sports. Conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease (affecting the area below the knee) and Sever's disease (affecting the back of the heel) are among the most common growth-related bone problems, causing localised pain and tenderness that worsens with activity. These conditions are generally self-limiting and resolve as the growth plate matures, with management focused on activity modification, stretching, and targeted physiotherapy to control symptoms during the active growth period.
Key Benefits
Accurate diagnosis distinguishes growth-related conditions from more serious pathology
Reassurance that most conditions are self-limiting and resolve with skeletal maturity
Activity modification guidance allows continued sports participation within safe limits
Targeted stretching and strengthening reduces symptoms and speeds recovery
Close monitoring through the growth spurt ensures timely adjustment of activity levels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing children and teenagers, caused by repetitive traction on the growth plate where the patellar tendon attaches below the kneecap, typically in active children involved in running or jumping sports.
What is Sever's disease and how is it different?
Sever's disease is the heel equivalent of Osgood-Schlatter, caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. It is common in active children, especially during growth spurts.
Does my child need to stop sports completely?
Usually not — most growth-related bone problems are managed with activity modification (reducing high-impact activity temporarily) rather than complete rest, alongside stretching and strengthening exercises, allowing continued participation within a tolerable level.
How long do these conditions typically last?
Symptoms usually improve over weeks to a few months with appropriate activity modification and physiotherapy, and fully resolve once the growth plate matures and closes, typically by the mid-to-late teenage years.
Will these conditions cause any long-term problems?
No — growth-related bone problems like Osgood-Schlatter and Sever's disease are generally self-limiting and resolve without lasting effects once growth is complete, though a small, painless bony prominence may occasionally remain.