Can Osgood-Schlatter disease occur in a 5 year old?
Your brief research is right on the money – OS (Osgood-Schlatter disease) typically occurs at the onset of the adoloescent growth spurt usually around 8-13 in girls. It is typically aggravated by acceleration/deceleration (jumping) or direct blows. I would think it’s unlikely OS disease. The causes of knee pain in kids are numerous and you can be glad their is no tumor or infection. This may be a “soft tissue” problem such as bursitis or tendonitis. If their was some trauma (unknown to you) perhaps this could be a bone bruise….none of the things I’ve mentioned would be visible with routine x-rays. Sometimes the problem could be in the hip with referred pain to the knee. Has she had hip x-rays? If all of the above are negative it might be worthwhile to consider an MRI. I know it’s expensive but the peace of mind might be worth it. The MR will show any soft tissue abnormalities as well as subtle boney problems that may not be visible on x-rays. Your daughter would probably have to be s
