Iselin Disease Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Painful inflammation of the outer foot.
What is Iselin Disease?
Iselin disease is an overuse injury to the growth plate (apophysis) of the fifth metatarsal, the long outer bone of the foot. It typically develops in children aged 9 to 14, particularly those who are physically active.
In Iselin disease, growth plate becomes swollen and inflamed, which may lead to pain or discomfort. However, the condition is unlikely to cause long-term problems. Surgery is never required.
Iselin disease is typically caused by repeated pressure the growth plate of the fifth metatarsal. This is the longest bone of the foot, connecting to the pinky toe.
Growth plates are the areas from which bones grow. They are made of cartilage, which makes them flexible and softer than bone. However, that softness means that growth plates are easier to damage. Children who engage in high-impact physical activity, particularly sports that involve running and jumping, are more likely to get Iselin disease.
Other risk factors for Iselin disease include tight calf muscles and low or high arches.
The Symptoms of Iselin Disease
The most common symptom of Iselin disease is pain that occurs during physical activity. You may also notice that your child limps or walks on the inside of the foot. This is an attempt to alleviate pressure on the outer foot.
Pain typically goes away when the child rests the foot.
How Is Iselin Disease Diagnosed?
Iselin disease is diagnosed via physical exam by your pediatric podiatrist, someone who specializes in treating foot and ankle conditions in children.
If Dr. Jarman suspects Iselin disease, he performs the following:
- Digital x-rays of the feet
- Range of motion, including each joint in the child’s foot
- Gait analysis, looking for abnormalities in foot motion
- Biomechanical assessment, to gauge posture and the child’s feet when standing
The doctor may also inspect your child’s shoes for odd wear patterns. For example, if your child is walking on their inner foot, there may be evidence on the sole of the shoe.
If your child is complaining about pain in the foot or ankle, or you’ve noticed something odd in their foot posture or gait, don’t hesitate. Consult with Dr. Jarman for a comprehensive gait/walking assessment, professional advice and treatment options that best suit your child.
Iselin Disease Treatment Options
Iselin disease typically resolves once the growth plates fuse, which occurs around age 12 in girls and 14 for boys. In the meantime, your podiatrist will want to manage discomfort to help ensure your child remains active.
A pediatric immobilization brace is used to offload the growth plate and allow for healing.
Additional
recommendations for Iselin disease may include:
- For a chronic reoccurring condition, custom orthotic management can help prevent injury and overuse
- Rest from strenuous activity
- Applying ice or a cold compress to the affected area(s)
- Stretches to the calf and peroneal muscles (those connecting to the foot)
- Change to more supportive footwear
Please remember that foot pain is never normal. If your child experiences pain during physical activity, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jarman today.
Your child’s feet are designed for life
Make an appointment today if your child has Iselin Disease.
Overview
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.
Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also develop as a result of the shape of your foot, a foot deformity or a medical condition, such as arthritis.
Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a bunion include:
- A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint
- Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other
- Ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes
- Limited movement of your big toe
When to see a doctor
Although bunions often require no medical treatment, see your doctor or a doctor who specializes in treating foot disorders (podiatrist or orthopedic foot specialist) if you have:
- Ongoing big toe or foot pain
- A visible bump on your big toe joint
- Decreased movement of your big toe or foot
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly because of a bunion
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Causes
There are many theories about how bunions develop, but the exact cause is unknown. Factors likely include:
- Inherited foot type
- Foot stress or injuries
- Deformities present at birth
Experts disagree on whether tight, high-heeled or too-narrow shoes cause bunions or whether footwear simply contributes to the development of bunions.
Bunions might be associated with certain types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory types, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Risk factors
These factors might increase your risk of bunions:
- High heels. Wearing high heels forces your toes into the front of your shoes, often crowding your toes.
- Ill-fitting shoes. People who wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too pointed are more likely to develop bunions.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Having this inflammatory condition can make you more likely to develop bunions.
- Heredity. The tendency to develop bunions might be the result of an inherited problem with the structure or anatomy of your foot.
Complications
Possible complications of bunions include:
- Bursitis. This painful condition occurs when the small fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones near your joints become inflamed.
- Hammertoe. An abnormal bend that occurs in the middle joint of a toe, usually the toe next to your big toe, can cause pain and pressure.
- Metatarsalgia. This condition causes pain and swelling in the ball of your foot.
Prevention
To help prevent bunions, choose shoes carefully. They should have a wide toe box — no pointy toes — and there should be space between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.
Nov. 06, 2021
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