Osgood-Schlatter Disease & Jumper’s Knee Treatment in Nevada City

By Dr. Austin Van poole d.c

Is your child complaining of pain just below the kneecap during sports?

Or are you dealing with persistent knee pain when squatting, running, or jumping?

Front-of-knee pain is one of the most common issues we see in active families across Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Nevada County.

In younger athletes, this is often Osgood-Schlatter disease.
In teens and adults, it’s usually jumper’s knee (patellar tendinopathy).

At Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, we don’t just treat the painful knee. We identify the movement and loading problems that caused it, so you or your athlete can stay active without recurring pain.

What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter is a growth-related condition that affects active kids and adolescents, especially during growth spurts.

It occurs at the tibial tuberosity — the bump just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches.

Common symptoms

• Pain just below the kneecap

• Swelling or a prominent bump at the top of the shin

• Pain with running, jumping, squatting, or kneeling

• Tenderness to touch

The good news: it’s common, manageable, and rarely dangerous — but proper load management is key.

What Is Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy)?

In older athletes and active adults, similar pain usually involves the patellar tendon itself.

This occurs when:

• Training volume exceeds tendon capacity

• Repetitive loading causes micro-irritation

• The tendon loses its ability to tolerate force

Common in:

• Basketball and volleyball athletes

• Soccer players

• Runners

• CrossFit and gym athletes

• Anyone doing frequent squats, lunges, or plyometrics

Why Front-of-Knee Pain Happens

At Radius, we often describe the knee as the “middle child” of the lower body.

It takes extra stress when:

The Hip (Big Sibling) Isn’t Doing Its Job

Weak or poorly controlled glutes increase load on the knee during:

• Landing

• Cutting

• Squatting

• Running

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Osgood-Schlatter (kids)

• Symptoms may fluctuate during growth spurts

• Most improve over several months

• Many athletes continue modified sports safely

Patellar Tendinopathy (teens/adults)

• Early stage: 4–6 weeks

• Moderate: 6–12 weeks

• Chronic: 3+ months

Tendons respond best to progressive loading, not complete rest.

Best Practices for Recovery

1. Modify Activity — Don’t Shut It Down

We help athletes:

• Reduce jumping volume

• Adjust intensity

• Stay active without flaring symptoms

2. Progressive Tendon Loading

Treatment includes:

• Isometric strengthening

• Slow, heavy resistance training

• Gradual return to plyometrics

3. Fix the Movement System

We address:

• Hip strength and control

• Ankle mobility

• Squat and landing mechanics

How We Treat Knee Pain at Radius Physical + Sports Rehab

Strength Progression

Phase 1: Isometric quad and glute activation
Phase 2: Split squats, step-downs, heavy resistance
Phase 3: Jump training and sport-specific return

Our goal isn’t just pain relief, it’s strong, confident movement under load.

When Should You Schedule an Evaluation?

Consider an evaluation if:

• Your child’s knee pain lasts longer than 1–2 weeks

• Pain limits sports participation

• A bump develops below the kneecap

• Squatting or jumping consistently hurts

• You want to prevent long-term tendon problems

Early treatment helps athletes stay in their season and avoid chronic issues.

Don’t Just “Wait for Them to Grow Out of It”

Many families hear:
“They’ll grow out of it.”

Many adults think:
“It’s just tight quads.”

Ignoring persistent tendon pain can lead to:

• Chronic irritation

• Reduced performance

• Compensations and future injuries

• Longer recovery later

Knee Pain Treatment in Nevada City & Grass Valley

If you or your athlete is dealing with Osgood-Schlatter disease or jumper’s knee, our team can help.

At Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, we are experienced in youth sports injuries and tendon rehabilitation using hands-on care, movement analysis, and progressive strength training.

Schedule your knee evaluation today and get back to running, jumping, and training with confidence.
Book online to see available appointments, if you don’t see a time that works for you, Call or text: (530) 955-0065 and let our front desk work their scheduling magic!

📍 Radius Physical + Sports Rehab
Nevada City & Grass Valley
📞 (530) 955-0065
Book online anytime.