Here are 4 Rare Foot Disease Warning Signs
Did you know that February 28 is World Rare Disease Day? On this day, we highlight all rare diseases. Our hope? To bring attention to and find treatments for these conditions and the pain they cause.
As your Westfield, IN podiatrist, I spend every day examining feet. So I’ve learned the warning signs that rare foot disease has targeted your body. And, today, I’m sharing those signs to help you reach an earlier diagnosis.
Diagnosing Rare Foot Disease
Most patients in our Westfield podiatry practice have pretty common symptoms. These include pain, swelling or an obvious sign of injury. Some of the common foot ailments we treat include broken bones, or bunions and hammertoes. But sometimes we notice foot symptoms that stand out which may suggest a patient has one of these rare diseases.
1. Once in a while we may see a young patient with swollen, tender, red feet. In some cases, their bones are breaking down and display signs of weakness. If a patient history doesn’t suggest an obvious injury, we may screen for Kohler’s disease. This is a condition where children’s foot arteries don’t grow properly. That keeps enough blood from flowing to the feet. And that causes the symptoms we described.
Now, we know that sounds scary. But here’s the good news. Many children outgrow Kohler’s disease. And others can enjoy symptom relief with braces, rest or even custom orthotics.
2. Another rare condition is Freiberg’s disease. Teenage girls are most affected by this problem. But Freiberg's can impact anyone with long bones in the midfoot (also called metatarsals.) It's also a risk for anyone who experienced past foot trauma.
Symptoms show up on your joint surfaces and include pain, stiffness and bone deterioration. Now, these are also arthritis symptoms. But we may suggest a Freiberg’s diagnosis in a child, since this age group is less likely to deal with arthritis.
3. Children may also develop Mafucci’s syndrome. This is a disease where soft tissue tumors, enchondromas, grow along your bones. (They're most common in your hands or feet.) Now, these tumors don’t cause cancer, but they can spread. And they make it more likely for your bones to break, so we usually have to surgically remove the growths.
4. Finally, there’s a foot condition known as Buerger’s disease. With this disease, symptoms show up when the weather gets cold. Much like people with Raynaud’s disease, people with Buerger’s disease experience restricted blood flow in the cold. But, Buerger’s disease is usually a result of a past or current smoking habit. Plus, it causes more serious symptoms such as lower limb ulcers.
Treating Rare Foot Conditions in Indiana
As with so many rare diseases, these conditions share symptoms with common foot problems. So, how can you know if your foot pain means a rare disease, or it's just a minor problem with an easy solution? Well, on your own, you can’t. That’s what your podiatrist is for!
Got foot pain or lingering symptoms you can’t explain or relieve on your own? Don’t wait until February 28. Instead, make an appointment right away. We’ll help determine the proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your feet!