The arch of the foot is a crucial arrangement thats strength is required for good function of the foot. Like any engineering structure such as an arch, the component which is at the top of the arch bears a lot of forces. In the feet, the component which is near the top of the arch is the navicular bone. It means that while we are bearing weight that navicular bone is going to be at the mercy of a whole lot of forces. In ordinary situations this bone is produced and intended to take that load and may get accustomed to elevated loads if given time. However, in some cases things could go wrong, and the navicular breaks down. In an athlete that might be something such as a stress fracture of the bone. A particular problem of the navicular bone that occurs in children is a disorder called Kohler’s Disease. This condition more frequently impacts boys than girls and has an affect on kids between the ages of 3 to 9 with around age 5 to be the most frequent age. For some reason this navicular bone is temporarily ‘softened’ and gets compacted by weightbearing forces coming in the navicular bone staying in the top of the arch.

Frequently, only one foot is affected, and it's also really unusual to have both feet impacted simultaneously. There is a obscure pain over the top of the foot in the mid-foot area plus a tenderness may be localized over the navicular on palpation. It's very common for the youngster to limp as a result of pain and they also can steer clear of trying to turn the foot inwards because that may be painful. Characteristically and frequently on x-ray you will find a distinctive thinning of navicular bone with an irregular development of the density appearance of the bone. This really is noticeable and fairly conspicuous. In the early acute phases of Kohlers Disease, it is very important get bodyweight off of the feet. They need to end all sports activity and running around in school for the short term since the stress over the bone has to be decreased as low as possible. Things such as a moon boot may be used to help limit physical activity. From time to time crutches may be required to get all force away from the foot. Generally if the initial symptoms aren't bad or things have settled down coming from that intense phase, restricted weightbearing can be used and foot supports are very beneficial to support the arch of the foot and reduce loads on the navicular bone to permit a higher level of exercise as time passes. In the event the issue is much more serious, then a lower limb brace is frequently needed to protect the foot. The structural alignment of the arch really does need to be protected by using foot orthotics to prevent a reoccurrence of the Kohlers Disease or even the development associated with any type of deformity from harm to the navicular bone whilst the disorder was active. The long-term prospects of most occurrences is frequently excellent and the majority don't have any long-term issues. Those who did have Kohler’s disease when they were young do need to be conscious of any arch conditions coming after a while.