Kohlers Disease

Kohler's Disease: Night Time Foot Pain In Children

If your son wakes up in the middle of the night complaining that his foot hurts, he may be suffering from Kohler's disease.

One concerned parent writes:

Thats so weird cause last night my 3 year old woke up absolutely inconsolable in pain saying her foot was hurting.. it was the top of her foot up where it meets the ankle and i don't think she had fallen over or anything to hurt it so we ended up giving her some nurofen and in about 15 minutes she went back to sleep.. she hasn't complained about it today but i have no idea what was going on.. cramp maybe??

As a parent if this happens to your child, be sure to give him childrens asprin or tylenol and then take him to the doctor to be seen as soon as possible. If your child is suffering from Kohler's disease, you don't want to spend your time looking on the internet for a diagnosis, you want to take him to the doctor because only a doctor can accurately diagnose a child who has Kohler's disease.

What is Kohlers Disease?

Kohlers disease (also referred to as "Kohler disease") is a bone disorder found in the foot of children who are usually between 6 and 9. The condition is rare. It typically affects boys - although it can also affect girls as well. The disease was first diagnosed in Germany by Dr. Alban Kohler in 1908.

Kohlers disease is caused when the navicular bone temporarily loses its blood supply. As a result of this temporary blood supply loss, the tissue in the bone dies and the bone collapses.

When Kohlers disease is treated correctly, it causes no long term problems and as the navicular bone gets back to normal, typically the child experiences no more pain.

Kohlers Disease Symptoms

Children who suffer from Kohlers disease experience pain and swelling in the middle part of the foot and usually limp as a result.

Children who walk with a limp generally tend to walk with an increased weight load on the other foot. There is also sometimes a tenderness over the navicular.

Children who suffer from Kohlers disease will also often complain of pain over the apex.

Most of the time when a doctor diagnoses Kohlers Disease, they will take an X-ray of both feet and the foot that is affected tends to have a dense flattened navicular bone.

Kohlers Disease Treatment

Treating a child who is suffering from Kohlers disease typically involves resting the affected foot, taking pain relievers and trying to avoid putting pressure on the foot.

If the condition continues to get worse, sometimes the child will be fitted with a cast that stops below the knee for 6-8 weeks.

After the removal of the cast, some patients are prescribed arch support for about 6 months.

Moderate exercise is suggested and occasionally physical therapy may help as well.

The long term prognosis for children that have this disease is very good. The symptoms may continue for some time, but most cases are reported to be resolved within 2 years.

If you suspect your son or daughter may be suffering from Kohlers disease, consult with your doctor immediately.