How to deal with the Osgood Schlatter Knee Bump

If you have Osgood Schlatter disease, you’re probably familiar with the bump below the kneecap. This bony lump is a common symptom of OSD. Here’s what to know about getting rid of the Osgood bump.

Does the Osgood Bump Go Away?

In children and teens, the Osgood bump is usually temporary. It’s caused by traction from the quadriceps muscle pulling on the patellar tendon before it fully ossifies.

With rest and targeted rehabilitation exercises (like in the Core Advantage Osgood program), the bump often settles and shrinks as the tendon attachment matures during puberty. However, ignoring your Osgood knee pain and continuing to play sports may inflame it further and potentially lead to a permanent and painful bony bump.

Osgood Bump in Adults

In adults, the bony lump below the knee is likely a permanent ossicle that developed during adolescence. These bone fragments can remain tender and painful, especially with direct pressure or very active lifestyles.

While surgery can remove troublesome ossicles, it carries risks and does not treat the muscular imbalances underlying OSD. There are non-surgical ways to manage the bump.

While the bump is difficult to remove once you are in adulthood, it is quite possible to make it pain-free and have normally functioning knees. This is what our adult Osgood program is designed to help with.

Making the Osgood Bump Less Painful

Here are some conservative ways to ease irritation of the bony lump:

• Targeted exercises - Strengthening the quads and glutes helps take pressure off the patellar tendon.
• Improving movement patterns - Changing from a knee-dominant to hip-driven pattern reduces shear stress on the tendon.
• Avoid direct pressure - Use knee pads for sports and occupations that require kneeling.
• Topical treatments - Magnesium oil, Voltaren gel, and arnica may temporarily reduce pain and swelling.
• Nutritional supplements - Collagen and MSM provide building blocks for tendon repair. Consult a doctor before use.
• Proper load management - Gradually increase activity levels to avoid flaring up symptoms.

The Bump Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

The Osgood bump is a symptom, not the underlying condition itself. Successful OSD treatment involves a holistic approach to resolve the factors causing patellar tendon irritation.

Our Osgood treatment program for kids and adult Osgood management program take a comprehensive approach to resolving Osgood symptoms including bump pain while helping you return to normal function and daily activities.

Don’t let the bony lump sideline you. With the right rehabilitation, you can get back to being active pain-free.

Jacob Tober

Head of Education, Performance Coach · Core Advantage

Our team has spent over a decade rehabilitating growth-related sports injuries in young athletes, and designed the Core Advantage Osgood & Sever's programs.