Living with Osteochondritis of tarsal/metatarsal bone
A foot bone condition, usually in children and teens, in which the navicular bone in the arch collapses, breaks apart, and then heals, causing pain and a limp.
Understanding Osteochondritis of tarsal/metatarsal bone
On X-rays the bone is first compressed, then breaks into pieces before healing and hardening back into bone. Signs include swelling, redness, or tenderness of the foot, which can lead to a limp. GARD says the exact cause is unknown, but some scientists suspect too much strain on the bone and its blood vessels before it has fully hardened. GARD lists child and teenager years as the usual onset.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Foot pain
- Ankle pain
- Limping or an altered way of walking
- Swelling of the foot
- Inflamed cartilage
- Hardening of the ankle bones
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and bone and joint specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the exact cause is unknown. Some scientists suspect too much strain on the navicular bone and its blood vessels before it has fully hardened.
Also known as: aseptic necrosis of the tarsal bone; avascular necrosis of the tarsal bone; juvenile osteochondrosis of foot; juvenile osteochondrosis of the foot; kohler disease; kohler's disease
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Osteochondritis of tarsal/metatarsal bone.
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