$Unique_ID{BRK03910} $Pretitle{} $Title{Kohler Disease} $Subject{Kohler Disease Kohler's Disease Tarsal Navicular Kohler's Osteochondrosis Tarsal Navicular Navicular Osteochondrosis Freiberg's Disease Burning Feet Syndrome Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Erythromelalgia } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 800: Kohler Disease ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Kohler Disease) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Kohler's Disease (of the Tarsal Navicular) Kohler's Osteochondrosis (of the Tarsal Navicular) Navicular Osteochondrosis Information on the following disorders can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Freiberg's Disease Burning Feet Syndrome Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Erythromelalgia General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Kohler Disease is a rare bone disorder of the foot characterized by a painful, swollen foot, eventually causing the individual to limp. It generally occurs in children between the ages of three and five and affects males more often than females. Recovery usually occurs in less than a year. Symptoms Kohler Disease is a rare bone disorder characterized by a painful swollen foot. The foot is especially tender along the length of the arch. Putting weight on the foot or walking is difficult, causing further discomfort and a limp. Progressive degeneration of one of the bones in the foot (navicular bone) causes the symptoms to develop. The bone eventually regenerates and heals itself. Kohler Disease tends to occur in children between the ages of three and five. With treatment, symptoms usually last for about three months. Bone restoration generally takes about eight months. Patients usually recover in less than a year, regaining full function of the foot. The disorder rarely lasts for more than two years. Recovery is permanent. Causes The exact cause of Kohler Disease is unknown. It does not appear to be hereditary and it is usually not associated with an injury. Affected Population Kohler Disease is a rare bone disorder of the foot that affects males more often than females. It usually occurs in children between the ages of three and five. Patients usually recover in less than a year, regaining full function of the foot. Related Disorders Freiberg's Disease is a rare bone disorder characterized by a painful foot which is especially tender toward the front. Putting weight on the foot or walking can cause further discomfort. Progressive degeneration (osteonecrosis) of part of one of the long bones in the foot (head of second metatarsal) causes the symptoms to develop. Surgery may be necessary to treat this disorder. (For more information on osteonecrosis, choose "osteonecrosis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Burning Feet Syndrome, also known as Gopalan Syndrome, is thought to be caused by a possible deficiency of a B Vitamin or pantothenic acid. Severe burning, aching and cramp-like pains in the soles of the feet (and possibly palms of the hands) can occur. Often, patients experience a sensation like pins and needles in the feet. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome involves pressure on nerves to the foot causing pain. The initial symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are swelling of the feet, and painful burning, tingling or numb sensations in the lower legs. Symptoms can become more intense and extend to leg muscles after standing for long periods during the day. These symptoms usually diminish with successful treatment. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Erythromelalgia is a syndrome of sudden intense dilation of blood vessels (paroxysmal vasodilation). This causes intense burning pain, increased skin temperature, and redness of the feet and, less often, the hands. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Erythromelalgia" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Therapies: Standard Diagnosis of Kohler Disease can be made by X-ray. Treatment can include weight-bearing short-leg plaster casts or special shoes. Staying off the foot as much as possible helps in recovery. Symptoms usually resolve within one year. Therapies: Investigational Researchers are trying to identify the cause of Kohler Disease so that it can be prevented. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through November 1990. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Kohler Disease, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse Box AMS Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 495-4484 References THE MERCK MANUAL, Volume 1, 15th Ed.: Robert Berkow, M.D., ed.-in-chief; Merck, Sharp, and Dohme Laboratories, 1987. Pp. 2107-2108. DORSIFLEXION OSTEOTOMY IN FREIBERG'S DISEASE. P. Kinnard and R. Lirette; Foot Ankle (Apr 1989; issue 9 (5)). Pp. 226-231. FREIBERG'S INFRACTION OF THE SECOND METARSAL HEAD WITH FORMATION OF MULTIPLE LOOSE BODIES. G. Scartozzi, et al.; J Foot Surg (May-Jun 1989; issue 28 (3)). Pp. 195-199. KOHLER'S DISEASE OF THE TARSAL NAVICULAR. G. A. Williams and H. R. Cowell; Clin Orthrop (Jul-Aug 1981; issue 158). Pp. 53-58. KOHLER'S DISEASE OF THE TARSAL NAVICULAR: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF 12 CASES. E. Ippolito, et al.; J Pediatr Orthop (Aug 1984; issue 4 (4)). Pp. 416-417. KOHLER'S OSTEOCHONDROSIS OF THE TARSAL NAVICULAR: CASE REPORT WITH TWENTY-EIGHT YEAR FOLLOW-UP. K. M. Devine and R. E. Van Demark, Sr.; S D J Med (Sep 1989; issue 42 (9)). Pp. 5-6.