Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Emergency care is appropriate if the foot becomes cold, pale, blue, or numb after an injury.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if the knee becomes hot, very red, or increasingly swollen, especially with fever or feeling unwell.
These are not usual features of Osgood-Schlatter condition.
Get urgent assessment after an injury if there is:
Sudden severe pain below the kneecap
An obvious change in the shape of the knee
Inability to stand, walk, or straighten the leg
Rapid swelling after a jump, fall, or forceful movement
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if pain below the knee keeps returning, limits sport or daily activities, causes a limp, or does not improve after reducing aggravating activities.
Assessment is also helpful when you are unsure whether the pain is coming from the tibial tubercle.
These signs may indicate a problem with blood flow or nerves rather than routine Osgood-Schlatter symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Osgood-schlatter disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.