Kohler's Bone Disease

Kohler's bone disease is a rare disorder in which the blood supply to a bone at the back of the foot known as the navicular is cut off. This causes the navicular bone to die and collapse, producing a number of symptoms.

Prevalence

• Kohler's bone disease occurs most commonly in children between the ages of three and five and is more common in boys than girls, reports the National Institute of Health.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Kohler's bone disease include limping as well as pain and tenderness at the high point in the arch of only one foot.

Diagnosis

• Kohler's bone disease is usually diagnosed with X-rays. If you suspect your child has Kohler's bone disease, your pediatrician will decide which X-rays are necessary.

Treatment

• Possible treatments for Kohler's bone disease include rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen and ibuprofen for pain and sometimes the use of plaster cast to restrict how much weight is placed on the foot.

Prognosis

• With treatment, most children recover from Kohler's bone disease within two years and suffer no permanent effects from the disease, according to the Merck Medical Manual.