Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a condition where a defect occurs just under then knee on the tibia or shin bone. This defect only occurs during a period of very rapid growth, such as in children who are going through a growth spurt. Physiologically, there are changes occurring in the bone where the blood supply to the bone is stopped, followed by dying bone cells that are soon repaired by the body. During the process, the ossification of the bone – or hardening of the bone – is disturbed. Symptoms include the slow onset of pain around the area where the problem is occurring. Osteochondrosis may also be found on the heel, where it’s called Sever’s disease, or on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th metatarsal of the foot, which is also called Freiberg’s infraction. The problem may lie within the cartilage of the bone, or on the bone itself. Cause No one knows why osteochondrosis occurs, and experts suspect that many factors contribute to the manifestation of this condition. Some of the factors include: • trauma to the bone • anatomical defects in the bone before the condition appears • nutrient deficiencies • rapid growth • heredity predisposition In animals, this condition is related to a boron deficiency. Treatment and Prevention Osteochondrosis may heal on its own without any intervention. Treatment should include providing the body with an adequate mineral supply, and all the nutrients needed for proper cartilage and bone formation: calcium, magnesium, boron, phosphorus, vitamin D, manganese, vitamin C, silica, and zinc. Supporting the foot during the healing process is important. If there are any biomechanical problems with the foot, the use of orthotic inserts and arch supports may help considerably.