Which age range is typical for children to begin exhibiting signs of Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is commonly observed in children and adolescents who are undergoing growth spurts, particularly affecting those who are active in sports or physical activities. The typical age range for the onset of symptoms is between 8 to 12 years. During this period, children experience significant growth, which often leads to increased stress on the knee joint and the area just below the knee where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. The repetitive stress from physical activities can cause inflammation at this site, resulting in the characteristic pain associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease.

In younger children, such as those aged 5 to 7 years, their bones and joints are not as developed, which makes it less likely for them to experience this condition. Conversely, as children move into their teenage years, typically from 13 to 15 years and beyond, the incidence of Osgood-Schlatter disease usually declines as growth plates begin to close, and the body's structure becomes more stable. This makes the 8 to 12-year age range the most typical for the onset of Osgood-Schlatter disease.