Keller's disease in boys and girls

In some children, necrosis of the spongy substance of the bones may occur due to foot injuries, the wearing of coarse, low quality uncomfortable shoes that do not fit the size, or flat feet. Such a disease, which was called Keller's disease, can manifest itself chronically, leading to micro-fractures of the bones.

In addition to these reasons, Keller's disease can be a consequence of a violation of blood circulation that occurs at birth, or a malfunction in the metabolism in the body.

Blood that does not enter the injured area, deprives the bone of nutrition, thereby leading to its necrosis (necrosis).

Keller's disease, depending on the site of necrosis, can have two varieties, one of which is found in boys and the other in girls.

Keller's disease 1, which is observed in boys, is called osteochondropathy of the scaphoid bone of the foot. The disease begins with the appearance of swelling on the upper side of the foot. Over time, painful sensations appear not only when touched, but also when walking. To avoid pain, the boy begins to twist his leg during the movement, focusing on the outside of the foot. The disease can develop from several weeks to several years. Often in the first stage of the disease, the pain syndrome may not appear.

Treatment consists in rigid fixation of the affected limb with gypsum, to ensure the correct position and reduce the load on the foot. A cast may be applied for a week or a whole month. After the gypsum is removed, jumping, jogging, physical exertion on the leg is forbidden. It is desirable to provide maximum peace. As supportive procedures, foot or shin massages can be prescribed. Wearing orthopedic insoles is mandatory. A timely treatment can completely get rid of the disease, restore the bone. Only a seriously neglected disease may require surgical intervention.

Keller's disease 2, which is more common in girls, is the osteochondropathy of the heads of the second and third metatarsal bones of the foot. It is characterized by the appearance of swelling in the lesion. Over time, painful sensations, initially arising only on palpation, increase during walking, especially over uneven terrain. Keller's disease prevents girls from walking in shoes with soft soles. Develops claudication, a finger located in the area of damage is shortened, can change its shape.

Up to two years the disease can develop asymptomatically or almost imperceptibly.

Keller's disease, 2 whose treatment should begin as soon as possible, is also completely curable.

Injured limb put a boot from gypsum for up to four weeks. After removing the boot, foot baths, orthopedic insoles or shoes supporting the arch of the foot are recommended. Mandatory massages of the lower leg and foot. Physical stress on the foot should be minimal. The operation is shown only in the most neglected cases.

In the treatment of both varieties of the disease, in addition to wearing gypsum, injections of nicotinic acid are recommended , which improves redox reactions, other vitamins. In addition, UHF, electrophoresis with calcium chloride or analgesics, magnetotherapy are prescribed.

To diagnose osteochondropathy, radiography of extremities is used.

Keller's disease can be avoided, and it's not very difficult. Recommended:

• Wear only comfortable shoes of its size. Large shoes do not fix the foot, which can lead to injury. Small or tight disrupts blood circulation. The consequence of both can be Keller's disease;
• Dosage the load on the legs;
• To consult a doctor at the first sign of trauma or other damage to the foot;
• In a timely manner, treat the deformities of the feet, arising for various reasons.