About kohler disease

What is kohler disease?

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder of the foot in children that may be the result of stress-related compression at a critical time during the period of growth. It is characterized by limping caused by pain and swelling in the foot. It most often occurs in children between the ages of three and seven, and it affects males five times more often than it does females. Typically, just one foot is affected.

Children appear to grow out of the disorder, and the affected bones regain their size, density and structure within a year. For some, however, symptoms may last as long as two years.

What are the symptoms for kohler disease?

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder characterized by a painful swollen foot. The foot is especially tender along the length of the arch. It may include Redness of the affected area. Putting weight on the foot or walking is difficult, causing further discomfort and a limp. For reasons that are not understood, the flow of blood to one of the bones in the foot (navicular bone) is interrupted, resulting in progressive degeneration of that bone. In a relatively short time, however, the bone heals itself.

Usually, symptoms will be mild, and patients may not seek treatment until the Pain and Swelling have persisted for a while.

What are the causes for kohler disease?

The exact cause of Kohler disease is unknown.

Some orthopedic specialists think that Kohler disease may be related to an injury in the area around the navicular bone in the foot and may be the result of delayed bone formation (ossification). Bone ossification usually begins at age 18-24 months in girls and at age 24 to 30 months in boys. Structural weakness might result from an increase in the ratio of cartilage to bone. Since the navicular bone is part of the mechanism by which the foot moves (articulation), it is subject to weight-bearing pressures and stresses from twisting and turning.

Under normal circumstances, the navicular bone is served by a blood vessel from which smaller arteries supply blood to the regions of bone growth. At around the ages of 4-6, the blood supply to these regions of bone growth increases as other blood vessels reach them. If ossification is delayed and the child gains weight, the effect is to compress the blood vessels, thus causing tissue destruction (ischemia).

It has been suggested that genetic factors may play a role in the development of Kohler disease, but a specific gene has not been found to be associated with this disease.

What are the treatments for kohler disease?

Kohler disease typically resolves over time with or without treatment.

Symptoms can last for a few days or persist for up to two years, but symptoms usually resolve within six months. Treatment can include pain relievers or weight-bearing short-leg plaster casts. Special supportive shoes may also be considered. Staying off the foot as much as possible helps in recovery. The long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with Kohler disease is usually excellent. People affected by the condition typically recover all function of the affected foot and have no lasting consequences.

What are the risk factors for kohler disease?

The exact cause of Kohler disease is unknown. It may be genetic, but it could also be caused by a viral infection or exposure to certain medications. The condition can affect multiple parts of the body, including the skull and jawbones.

Kohler's disease is characterized by thick, rough skin that peels easily, leading to pain and inflammation. The skin may be discolored and feel bumpy. The hair on the scalp may become coarse and brittle, and the scalp itself may become inflamed and cracked.

The condition is most common in males between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can occur at any age. In some cases, it affects one side of the body only; others have both sides affected equally.

Doctors usually diagnose Kohler disease during childhood after noticing abnormalities in bone density during an x-ray or MRI scan of the head region.

Risk factors for Kohler disease include:

1. Genetic mutations

2. Having another kidney disease like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or Alport syndrome

3. Being born with a birth defect of the kidneys, bladder or urethra

4. Sex: Boys have a higher risk of developing Kohler disease than girls.

5. Family history: A family history of Kohler disease increases your risk of developing it.

Symptoms
Pain in the feet and ankles,Swelling of the feet and ankles,Tingling or numbness in the feet and ankles,Cold hands and feet, even when it's warm outside,A burning sensation in the hands and feet,Fatigue or weakness in arms or legs
Conditions
Hemolytic anemia due to paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria,Sickle cell anemia,Thalassemia major,Hemolytic crisis, for example in spherocytosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC),Von Gierke disease (Type II glycogen storage disease; glucose 6-phosphate deficiency)
Drugs
Digoxin,ACE inhibitors,Aldosterone antagonists

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