Köhler’s Disease

Köhler's disease is a condition that impacts a bone on the inner arch of the foot called the navicular. This relatively rare disorder typically affects males more than females and occurs between the ages of 2 and 10 years of age, with peak occurrence during ages 3 to 7 years.

Causes

The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood. Researchers propose two main theories:

• Excessive strain on the navicular bone

• Injury/trauma to the area

As a result, the blood supply to the bone gets compromised as the child is growing. This leads to loss of blood flow (ischaemia) to the navicular, resulting in progressive degeneration of the bone. If not treated promptly, the bone can become permanently deformed.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Köhler's disease can vary but generally include:

• Redness around the inside of the foot, near the arch

• A swollen foot

• Tenderness/pain along the inside of the arch

• Pain worse if putting pressure on the affected foot

Treatment and Management

This uncommon condition warrants proper diagnosis, care and management. While it generally resolves on its own, it is important not to aggravate the condition as it can lead to complications later in life.

For severe cases (as determined by X-ray/CT scans), treatment may include:

• Fibreglass cast

• Moon boot

• Additional treatment options

See our Podiatrists for more information regarding this condition.