Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common cause of anterior knee pain in active adolescents, typically linked to repetitive stress at the tibial tuberosity during growth spurts. While treatment often focuses on local knee management, a growing body of evidence shows that lower-limb biomechanics, especially foot and ankle function can significantly influence both the onset and persistence of OSD symptoms. For podiatrists seeking to enhance their clinical impact, exploring Foot Mobilisation Courses through structured Podiatry CPD can unlock powerful strategies for managing this condition and for addressing related hip and lower back issues.
Excessive foot pronation or restricted ankle dorsiflexion alters the alignment and loading of the knee, increasing strain on the patellar tendon. When the talocrural or subtalar joints are stiff, the tibia is forced into internal rotation, creating additional tension at the patellar insertion on the tibial tubercle. These biomechanical changes can exacerbate OSD symptoms and delay recovery (Yamaguchi et al., 2022).
Recent studies highlight this kinetic-chain relationship. For example, a 2023 investigation by Cumps et al. found that adolescents with OSD frequently demonstrate limited ankle mobility and abnormal rearfoot motion, leading to higher patellofemoral joint stress. Addressing these distal restrictions is therefore critical to long-term symptom relief and prevention of compensatory issues such as hip or lower back pain.
Foot mobilisation and manipulation aim to restore optimal joint motion within the foot and ankle, particularly the talus, subtalar, and midfoot joints. By improving dorsiflexion and re-aligning the rearfoot, mobilisation reduces the excessive tibial rotation and abnormal loading patterns that irritate the patellar tendon.
When combined with strengthening and functional retraining, mobilisation can help adolescent athletes regain pain-free movement and reduce the risk of chronic biomechanical issues extending to the hip and lumbar spine. This whole-chain approach is precisely where podiatrists can make a profound difference.
For practitioners committed to evidence-based, holistic care, investing in CPD courses for podiatrists that focus on manual therapy is an invaluable step forward. These programs go beyond orthoses and exercise prescription, equipping clinicians to directly influence joint mechanics through hands-on techniques.
The MME (Mobilisation, Manipulation and Exercises) course is designed for podiatrists who want to integrate these skills into daily practice. As a specialised Podiatry CPD pathway, MME teaches precise mobilisation and manipulation methods alongside tailored exercise protocols. Participants learn to identify restrictions in the foot and ankle, correct them effectively, and support long-term joint health essential for managing OSD and preventing secondary hip and lower back pain.
Continuing professional development should be more than a requirement; it’s an opportunity to transform patient outcomes. By enrolling in Foot Mobilisation Courses like MME, podiatrists can expand their clinical toolbox, address the true drivers of Osgood–Schlatter disease, and help active adolescents return to sport faster and stronger while also reducing the risk of compensatory pain up the kinetic chain.
Ready to expand your skills and help adolescents recover faster? Enroll in the MME Foot Mobilisation CPD course today and take your practice to the next level.
