When Growing Pains Won't Go Away
How PRP Is Revolutionising Treatment for Young Athletes and why London's sports medicine specialists are turning to platelet-rich plasma for persistent Osgood-Schlatter disease
For the parents of young athletes across London, few things are more heartbreaking than watching their child's sporting dreams derailed by persistent knee pain. What starts as seemingly normal "growing pains" can evolve into months or even years of frustration, missed training sessions, and diminished performance.
Osgood-Schlatter disease affects up to 10% of adolescents, yet for many families, the condition remains poorly understood and inadequately treated. Traditional approaches often leave young athletes on the sidelines for extended periods, watching their peers advance while they struggle with ongoing pain and functional limitations.
But what if there was a way to accelerate healing and get young athletes back to the sports they love—using nothing more than their own blood?
Understanding Osgood-Schlatter Disease Beyond "Growing Pains"
Osgood-Schlatter disease is far more complex than simple growing pains. Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) belongs to the group of sterile bone necrosis and is a common cause of knee pain during growth and musculoskeletal development. The disease mainly affects boys between the ages of 10 and 15 and girls between the ages of 8 and 14.
The condition occurs when the powerful quadriceps muscle repeatedly pulls on the patellar tendon, which attaches to a growth plate at the top of the shinbone (tibial tuberosity). During periods of rapid growth, this attachment point becomes particularly vulnerable to inflammation and micro-injuries.
As a result of chronic overload, numerous micro-injuries to the tibial tuberosity area occur, contributing to inflammation and pain in the tibial tuberosity area. This isn't simply a matter of "waiting it out"—the condition can significantly impact a young person's physical development, mental health, and sporting aspirations.
Risk factors for the development of OSD include being overweight, increased tension and significant strength of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh, and decreased flexibility of the muscles of the posterior group of the thigh.
The Real Impact on Young Lives
The psychological and social impact of Osgood-Schlatter disease extends far beyond physical discomfort. Osgood-Schlatter disease mainly affects highly physically active children 8–15 years, especially those doing intensive sports training. As a result, OSD modifies or even completely excludes young athletes from physical activities.
For young people whose identity and social connections are built around sport, this exclusion can be devastating. The disease is self-limiting in most cases; however, the duration of persistence can be up to 2 years. Two years represents a significant portion of a young athlete's competitive career and crucial developmental period.
Traditional conservative treatments—rest, ice, stretching, and pain management—often provide only temporary relief. While these approaches may help manage symptoms, they don't address the underlying tissue damage or accelerate the healing process in cases where the condition has become chronic.
The Science Behind PRP for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Platelet-rich plasma therapy represents a paradigm shift in treating chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease. Instead of simply managing symptoms, PRP therapy works at the cellular level to promote actual tissue repair and regeneration.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a three to eight times platelet-enhanced product of plasma. Platelets contain a variety of growth factors including transforming growth factor-β, VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and epithelial growth factor.
These growth factors are particularly effective for treating the type of tissue damage seen in Osgood-Schlatter disease. The growth factors help new hair follicles grow and improve the health of hair follicles that are already there—in this case, promoting healing of the damaged tissue around the tibial tuberosity and improving the health of the patellar tendon attachment.
Groundbreaking Clinical Evidence
Recent studies have provided compelling evidence for PRP's effectiveness in treating Osgood-Schlatter disease. A landmark study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2024 evaluated 152 growing children with chronic OSD treated with leukocyte-rich PRP.
The results were remarkable. We found that 75% of the subjects were satisfied with the results of the treatment, and 72% of the subjects returned to full physical activity. The analysis showed a significant decrease in the median VAS score after treatment compared to the pre-treatment score, and an increase in the median scores of the Tegner, Lysholm, and KOOS scales compared to the pre-treatment score.
These results represent far more than statistical improvements—they represent young lives returned to normal, sporting dreams rekindled, and families relieved of the constant worry about their child's ongoing pain and limitations.
Another comprehensive study comparing acute versus chronic cases found that LR-PRP injection of the tibial tuberosity in patients with chronic OSD with open growth cartilage is an effective and uncomplicated method. We did not observe any adverse effects, which suggests the relatively high safety of the procedure.
Why Timing Matters in Treatment
One of the most significant findings from recent research concerns the importance of treatment timing. Analysis across all scales showed statistically significant treatment effectiveness with LR-PRP in both groups of patients, but The use of PRP in the earlier phase of the disease and additional rehabilitation before treatment significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.
This finding has profound implications for families dealing with Osgood-Schlatter disease. Rather than following the traditional approach of "wait and see," early intervention with PRP therapy may prevent the condition from becoming chronic and significantly reduce the overall treatment time.
The research suggests that patients who receive PRP treatment within the first 12 months of symptoms developing tend to have better outcomes than those who wait longer. This challenges the conventional wisdom that Osgood-Schlatter disease should simply be managed conservatively until it resolves on its own.
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
PRP treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be completed in approximately one hour. Understanding what to expect can help both young patients and their parents feel more comfortable with the process.
Initial Consultation: Your child's condition will be thoroughly assessed, including a detailed history of symptoms, physical examination, and review of any imaging studies. This ensures that PRP therapy is appropriate and that realistic expectations are established.
Blood Collection: A small amount of blood (typically 10-60ml) is drawn from your child's arm—similar to a routine blood test.
PRP Preparation: The blood is processed in a specialised centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, creating a solution that contains 3-8 times the normal concentration of healing factors.
Treatment: Using ultrasound guidance for precision, the PRP is injected directly into the affected area around the tibial tuberosity. The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Recovery: Most young patients can return to light activities within 24-48 hours, with a gradual return to sport typically occurring over 4-6 weeks.
Safety Profile for Young Athletes
Safety is paramount when treating young, developing athletes. Fortunately, PRP therapy has an excellent safety profile in paediatric populations. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the VAS, Tegner, Lysholm, and KOOS scales. Subject satisfaction, return to sports activity, potential adverse effects, and X-ray evaluation were likewise used to assess the success of the procedure, with no significant adverse effects reported.
The treatment uses the patient's own blood, eliminating any risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including slight swelling or discomfort at the injection site that typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
Recent studies specifically examining safety in young athletes found that We did not observe any adverse effects, which suggests the relatively high safety of the procedure, even in patients with open growth plates.
Comparing PRP to Traditional Treatments
Traditional treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease typically involves activity modification, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. While these approaches can be helpful, they often provide only symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying tissue damage.
Treatment is predominantly conservative, with surgery indicated in a minority of cases. For patients with treatment-resistant or refractory OSD, an alternative is the application of autologous platelet concentrate.
The key difference with PRP therapy is that it actively promotes tissue healing rather than simply managing symptoms. This fundamental difference in approach explains why PRP can achieve results that traditional treatments cannot—it's addressing the root cause of the problem rather than just its symptoms.
Research directly comparing PRP to conservative treatment has shown superior outcomes with PRP therapy. In one study, patients receiving PRP treatment showed significantly greater improvements in pain scores, functional assessments, and return to sport compared to those receiving only conservative treatment.
The Long-Term Benefits
The benefits of PRP treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease extend far beyond immediate pain relief. By actually healing the damaged tissue, PRP therapy can prevent the long-term complications that sometimes occur with chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Some patients with prolonged Osgood-Schlatter disease develop persistent bony prominences or even loose bone fragments that can cause ongoing problems into adulthood. By promoting proper healing during the active phase of the disease, PRP therapy may prevent these complications from developing.
Additionally, the psychological benefits of returning to sport and normal activities cannot be overstated. For young athletes, sport is often central to their identity, social connections, and self-esteem. Rapid return to activity through effective treatment can have profound positive effects on overall wellbeing and development.
Who Is a Candidate for PRP Treatment
PRP therapy is most beneficial for young athletes with chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease who have not responded adequately to conservative treatment. The inclusion criteria for these patients were the clinical symptoms of Osgood–Schlatter disease and/or a characteristic image of the disease in an X-ray examination.
Ideal candidates typically include:
Young athletes aged 8-16 with persistent symptoms for more than 3-6 months
Those who have tried conservative treatment without satisfactory improvement
Athletes whose symptoms are significantly impacting their sporting participation
Patients with characteristic X-ray findings showing tibial tuberosity changes
The treatment is not typically recommended for patients with acute Osgood-Schlatter disease that is responding well to conservative measures, as the condition may resolve naturally in these cases.
The Treatment Protocol
Based on current research, the optimal treatment protocol involves careful patient selection and precise injection technique. The current study included 150 patients who came with symptoms of pain in the knee area to the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Children's Clinical Hospital, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria ensuring optimal outcomes.
Most patients require 1-3 PRP injections, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The exact number of treatments depends on the severity of the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and how the patient responds to the initial treatment.
Follow-up assessments typically occur at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment to monitor healing and functional improvement. This allows for any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan and ensures optimal outcomes.
Success Stories and Real Outcomes
The published research provides compelling evidence of PRP's effectiveness, but the real measure of success lies in the outcomes experienced by young patients and their families.
In the largest study to date, 72% of subjects returned to full physical activity, while 75% were satisfied with their treatment results. These figures represent young athletes who were able to return to the sports they love, often after months or years of frustrated attempts with other treatments.
Even more encouraging, the improvements were sustained over time. Long-term follow-up studies have shown that the benefits of PRP treatment tend to persist, with most patients maintaining their improved function and pain relief at one-year follow-up assessments.
Cost Considerations and Value
While PRP treatment represents an investment, it's important to consider the broader costs associated with chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease. These include ongoing physiotherapy sessions, multiple medical consultations, lost training time, missed opportunities for sporting advancement, and the psychological impact of prolonged activity restriction.
When viewed in this context, PRP therapy often represents excellent value, particularly given its potential to resolve the condition more quickly and completely than traditional approaches.
Additionally, early intervention with PRP may prevent the need for more intensive treatments later, including the rare cases that require surgical intervention.
Choosing the Right Provider
The success of PRP treatment depends heavily on proper patient selection, optimal PRP preparation, and precise injection technique. Not all PRP preparations are equal, and the expertise of the treating physician plays a crucial role in outcomes.
When choosing a provider for your child's treatment, consider:
Experience with paediatric sports medicine and Osgood-Schlatter disease specifically
Proper equipment for optimal PRP preparation
Use of ultrasound guidance for precise injection placement
Comprehensive follow-up protocols to monitor progress
Clear communication about realistic expectations and outcomes
The Future of Treatment
Research into PRP therapy for Osgood-Schlatter disease continues to evolve, with new studies refining our understanding of optimal treatment protocols and patient selection criteria. Background: Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) occurs mainly in physically active adolescents, causing significant physical activity restrictions, and researchers are working to develop even more effective treatment approaches.
Future developments may include enhanced PRP preparations, combination treatments with other regenerative therapies, and more personalised treatment protocols based on individual patient characteristics.
Making the Decision
For families dealing with chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease, the decision to pursue PRP treatment should be made in consultation with experienced sports medicine specialists. The treatment offers genuine hope for young athletes who have been struggling with persistent symptoms despite traditional approaches.
The research evidence strongly supports PRP as an effective treatment for chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease, with excellent safety profiles and high patient satisfaction rates. Most importantly, it offers the possibility of returning young athletes to the sports they love, often much sooner than would be possible with conservative treatment alone.
Take Action for Your Young Athlete
If your child has been struggling with persistent Osgood-Schlatter disease despite months of traditional treatment, it may be time to consider PRP therapy. The growing body of evidence suggests that this treatment can offer hope where other approaches have failed.
Don't let another season pass with your young athlete on the sidelines. Early intervention with PRP therapy may be the key to resolving their condition and returning them to the sport they love.
Our team of specialists in Central London has extensive experience treating young athletes with Osgood-Schlatter disease using the latest PRP techniques. We understand the unique challenges facing young athletes and their families, and we're committed to providing the most effective, evidence-based treatments available.
Ready to explore whether PRP therapy could help your child overcome chronic Osgood-Schlatter disease? Send us a message via WhatsApp to arrange a complimentary consultation. We'll assess your child's individual situation, discuss realistic expectations, and develop a personalised treatment plan designed to get them back to the activities they love.