Can Osgood Schlatter Disease go away untreated?

Many young people diagnosed with Osgood Schlatter Disease are told they can't play any sport for months or even years. They're advised to wait for their growth spurt to slow down and for their pain to magically disappear on its own. This approach is not only tedious and heartbreaking for a dedicated athlete to endure, but it also contradicts modern rehabilitation science.

The good news? It doesn't have to be this way. In fact, we believe this passive approach is hugely counterproductive. Gone are the days of "waiting it out" for Osgood Schlatter to go away. Let's explore why, and what you can do instead.

Is Osgood Schlatter Disease Permanent?

Osgood Schlatter Disease is not a permanent condition, but without proper treatment, it can persist for an extended period, causing unnecessary suffering and setbacks for young athletes.

The Reality of Untreated Osgood Schlatter

When left untreated, Osgood Schlatter can last for months or even years. This prolonged period of pain and limited activity can have several negative consequences:

Muscle weakness: Extended periods of inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, particularly in the quadriceps, which are crucial for knee support.
Loss of bone density: Lack of weight-bearing activities during crucial growth periods can impact long-term bone health.
Decreased athletic performance: Time away from sport can result in a significant decline in sport-specific skills and overall fitness.
Psychological impact: The frustration of being sidelined can affect a young athlete's mental health and self-esteem.

Long-Term problems with untreated Osgood

If left untreated, Osgood Schlatter can lead to ongoing issues even into adulthood:

Persistent knee pain: Some adults report recurring knee pain, especially during activities that stress the patellar tendon.
Visible bump below the knee: A permanent, painless bump may remain below the kneecap.
Increased risk of future injuries: Weakness and imbalances developed during adolescence can predispose individuals to other knee injuries later in life.
Limited athletic potential: Extended time away from sport during crucial developmental years can impact long-term athletic achievement.

The Timeline of Osgood Schlatter Recovery

Osgood Schlatter recovery times can vary significantly depending on the approach taken:

The Old Method: Waiting it Out

The traditional approach was to think of Osgood as an incurrable disease, something that you simply wait for the growth spurt to slow down enough for the pain to settle can take months or years. This passive method often leads to:

Prolonged periods of pain and discomfort
Significant deconditioning and loss of athletic skills
Potential for recurring Osgood Schlatter symptoms even after the growth spurt has stopped
Missed opportunities for athletic development and enjoyment

The Proactive Approach: Structured Rehabilitation

Instead of treating Osgood like a disease, think of it like an injury that needs rehabilitation and strengthening. A proactive plan addresses the underlying reasons for the pain by following a structured and progressive training approach rather than just rest. Benefits of this method include:

Pain resolution in a matter of weeks rather than months or years
Development of strength, mobility, and movement skills needed to protect knees and prevent Osgood Schlatter recurrence
Continued participation in sports (with modifications as needed)
Improved overall athletic performance

It's important to note that this isn't a magic solution. It requires dedication and consistent effort from the athlete. However, with committed application to a well-designed plan, most young athletes see significant improvement in just a few weeks.

What Happens if You Don't Treat Osgood Schlatter?

Failing to properly treat Osgood Schlatter Disease can lead to a range of short-term and long-term issues:

Short-term consequences:

Prolonged pain and discomfort
Extended time away from sports and physical activities
Potential for the condition to worsen or become chronic

Long-term consequences:

Persistent knee pain into adulthood
Increased risk of other knee injuries
Permanent changes in knee structure (e.g., a visible bump below the kneecap)
Potential limitations in athletic pursuits or everyday activities

Long-Term Osgood Schlatter Problems

If left untreated or improperly managed, Osgood Schlatter can lead to several long-term issues:

Chronic knee pain: Recurring pain or even adult Osgood symptoms, especially during high-impact activities
Decreased knee function: Reduced flexibility and strength in the affected knee
Altered biomechanics: Changes in movement patterns that can lead to other injuries
Ossification: Formation of excess bone at the tibial tuberosity
Psychological impact: Reduced confidence in physical abilities and potential aversion to sports participation

Rest is Not a Cure for Osgood Schlatter Disease

While some rest is important in managing Osgood Schlatter, complete inactivity is not the answer. The key to rehabilitating from most injuries, particularly for tendon overuse injuries like Osgood Schlatter, is to implement what is known as relative rest.

Understanding Relative Rest

Relative rest is not the same as total suspension of activity. It means spending a period of time (typically 2-14 days) with a reduced activity level to allow the knees some time to recover and adapt. This approach allows for:

Reduction of inflammation and pain
Initiation of the healing process
Gradual reintroduction of activity to promote proper tissue adaptation

Implementing Relative Rest

The specific implementation of relative rest can vary based on the individual's symptoms and activity level:

For some young athletes, this could mean a 48-hour period of no running, jumping, or sport, followed by a few weeks of gradually increasing training loads.
For others, it might involve 1-2 weeks of light activities (below a 6/10 intensity level) with no sessions longer than 45 minutes to minimize fatigue.

After the initial relative rest period, athletes can gradually increase the duration of activity sessions before dialing up the intensity a few weeks later.

Relative Rest + A Progressive Osgood-Specific Training Plan

The key to successful Osgood Schlatter rehabilitation lies in combining relative rest with a structured, progressive training plan. This approach allows for:

Initial pain reduction and tissue healing
Gradual strengthening of the affected area
Improvement in overall lower body strength and flexibility
Development of proper movement patterns to prevent future issues

Monitoring Progress

To ensure you're on the right track with your rehabilitation, use these two simple tests:

How did your knees feel during and immediately after the activity?
How do your knees feel the next morning when you get out of bed?

In both cases, you should not be limping, and pain should not be above a 3/10 rating. If you don't pass these tests, it indicates you need to dial your training back further until you find a level you can manage.

Conclusion: The Path to Recovery

Rehabilitating from Osgood Schlatter Disease can be one of the most rewarding processes for young athletes. It's an opportunity not just to overcome pain, but to build strength, improve movement patterns, and come back to sport stronger than ever.

Our 7-week Osgood Schlatter Treatment Program, "The Secret to Curing Osgood Schlatters," guides you through this process step-by-step. We provide:

Targeted exercises for strength and flexibility
Effective warm-up methods
Recovery instructions to get you back to sport as quickly as possible
Tools to create consistency in your training for strong, pain-free knees

Don't let Osgood Schlatter sideline you for months or years. Take control of your recovery and return to sport pain-free and stronger than ever. Learn more about our program and start your journey to recovery today!