Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease: Understanding Knee Pain in Active Kids and Teens in Sarasota
If your child or teen is active in sports around Sarasota—from soccer and track to dance or baseball—and suddenly starts complaining of pain just below the kneecap, they may be experiencing a common growth-related condition known as Osgood-Schlatter’s disease.
At Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota, we see this condition often in young athletes during growth spurts. As their bones, muscles, and tendons rapidly develop, even small imbalances in posture, gait, or pelvic alignment can place excessive stress on the knee joint—leading to inflammation and pain at the tibial tuberosity, where the patellar tendon attaches.
What is Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter’s is an overuse and traction-related injury affecting the growth plate at the top of the shinbone (tibia). It commonly appears between ages 10 and 15, especially in athletes who run, jump, or change direction frequently.
The pain is typically felt:
Just below the kneecap
Worse with running, jumping, kneeling, or climbing stairs
Accompanied by swelling or a visible bump over the tibial tuberosity
While it’s often labeled as a “self-limiting” condition, ignoring the underlying biomechanical causes can prolong recovery or lead to chronic knee issues later in life.
How Alignment Plays a Role
At Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota, we take a structural approach to Osgood-Schlatter’s—not just managing symptoms, but identifying why the tension and stress are happening in the first place.
When the pelvis, femur, and tibia are not properly aligned, the quadriceps and patellar tendon pull unevenly on the tibial growth plate. This imbalance can originate from:
Pelvic rotation or tilt
Foot pronation (collapsed arches)
Femoral internal rotation or knee valgus collapse
Sacroiliac joint misalignment affecting hip mechanics
Through Gonstead extremity and spinal analysis, we can determine whether the problem is driven from above (pelvis and hip) or below (foot and ankle)—and apply specific, corrective adjustments to restore balance throughout the kinetic chain.
Chiropractic Care for Osgood-Schlatter’s in Sarasota
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution to help Sarasota’s young athletes recover naturally.
Our approach focuses on:
Gonstead adjustments to the pelvis, knee, and foot to normalize joint motion
Myofascial release and muscle balancing techniques for the quadriceps and hamstrings
Posture and gait analysis to identify asymmetries in movement
Home care strategies including icing, stretching, and activity modification
By correcting the root cause of mechanical imbalance, we help the body heal efficiently while reducing the likelihood of recurring pain or knee instability.
Performance Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
Once alignment is restored, most young athletes experience not just pain relief—but also improved:
Explosiveness and jumping ability
Knee tracking and stability
Balance and coordination
Confidence in returning to sports
Our goal at Vertical Chiropractic Sarasota is to help every athlete build their foundation for lifelong performance and injury prevention.
When to Seek Care
If your child in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch is dealing with persistent knee pain that worsens with activity, don’t just wait for it to “go away.” The earlier we address the cause, the faster we can restore alignment and function.
📍 Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota – Building Your Foundation
🌴 Located in the heart of Sarasota, Florida
📞 Call or Text: (941) 413-5099
💻 Visit: www.VerticalChiroFlorida.com
📅 Book your appointment today and help your young athlete build a stronger foundation for movement, performance, and growth.
