Children have bones that are continuously growing and reshaping. Because of this, children's bones can often be susceptible to diseases. Bone diseases in children can also be congenital, or present at birth. Some childhood bone diseases cause pain and difficulty walking whereas others may produce no symptoms at all.
Blount's Disease
Blount's disease is a bone disease in which the inner part of the shin bone, which is located directly below the knee, does not develop normally. Because of this improper development, the leg turns inward. The exact cause of Blount's disease is unknown, but is believed to be a result of excess weight, notes MedlinePlus. As the child progresses to adolescence, Blount's disease usually gets worse. If Blount's disease is found before the age of 3, braces are usually used to correct the problem and prevent bowing legs from becoming worse. If the condition is found when the child is older, surgery is usually required to cut the shin bone and place it in the correct position.
Kohler's Disease
Kohler's disease is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the tarsal navicular bone, which is the bone located at the arch of the foot. Kohler's disease usually affects only one foot in children between the ages of 3 to 5, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. In addition to swelling, other symptoms of Kohler's disease include pain and tenderness in the arch of the foot and difficulty walking. Kohler's disease does not require treatment and usually disappears on its own in approximately two years. Rest and avoidance of putting weight on the foot decrease the time it takes for the disease to disappear. In severe cases, a walking cast may be recommended to aid with healing time.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition in which the hip joint does not receive an adequate amount of blood. A lack of blood results in unstable bones that can break easily. The disease occurs most often in boys between the ages of 2 to 12, but can occur to both sexes at any age, notes MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease include limping; pain in the hip, leg and knee; limited motion; and a shortened leg. Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease consists of a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and crutches. The use of a cast may be needed in the case of a broken bone. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to replace the hip socket.
