Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely first bring this problem to the attention of your family doctor or your child's pediatrician. He or she might refer you to a doctor who specializes in knee injuries or sports medicine.

What you can do

Bring to the appointment a written list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of your child's symptoms
• Information about medical problems your child has had in the past
• Information about medical problems common in your family
• All the medications and dietary supplements your child takes
• Questions you want to ask

Below are some basic questions to ask a doctor who is examining your child for possible Osgood-Schlatter disease. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.

• Do you expect my child will be able to continue in his or her current sport?
• Does my child need to change his or her activities, such as playing a different position or training with different exercises? If so, for how long?
• What signs or symptoms would signal a need for my child to take a complete break from athletics?
• What other self-care measures would help my child?

What to expect from your doctor

Your child's doctor is likely to ask a number of questions, such as:

• How severe is your pain?
• Does your pain occur before, during or after your workouts — or is it constant?
• Have you noticed swelling near your kneecap?
• Have you had problems with mobility or stability?
• What is your exercise or sports-training routine?
• Have you recently changed your training routine, such as training harder or longer or using new techniques?
• Are you able to tolerate the pain while playing your sport at your usual intensity?
• Are your symptoms affecting your ability to complete normal, daily tasks, such as walking up stairs?
• What at-home treatments have you tried? Has anything helped?
• Have you had a recent injury that may have caused knee damage?