Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis (os te o kon dro"sis) is an abnormal condition of bone and cartilage formation in children. It involves temporary degeneration of tissue due to inadequate blood supply, followed by spontaneous regeneration.

The symptoms depend on where exactly the patient develops osteochondrosis, but pain characterized by restricted movement is a common feature. Although, the condition usually affects both legs and elbows, the pain in one leg is often more than the other. As a result, the patient may put extra weight on the better one, resulting in decreased muscle development in the worst affected leg.

Like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis is an inherited disease, with "environmental" influences. These are:

Genetics - The concept of an inherited disease, where one individual acquires a disease from a similarly affected parent is familiar to most people. Osteochondrosis is an inherited disease. It's not really quite that simple though, because not all patients whose parents have osteochondrosis will actually get it themselves. Secondly, not all patients with osteochondrosis are lame, and some seem to go for years without any problem. 

Environment - Quite why some patients don't develop osteochondrosis, when they really ought to, based on their parentage, is not fully known, so we have this wonderfully woolly phrase, "Environmental Influences", to disguise this fact. Having said that, diet and exercise do appear to play an important part, though there may also be other factors waiting to be discovered.

While the exact cause is unknown, the condition begins as abnormal development of the deep layers of joint cartilage. As the condition progresses, a small piece of cartilage may become detached from the underlying bone.

Diagnosis is based on careful evaluation of the medical history and performing a thorough physical and x-ray examinations.

Adopt a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and stay away from caffeine as well as alcohol.

Take in vitamin D by lying in the sun occasionally.

Relax and include exercise programs in your daily routine so as to help the bones to recover. Massages also help the mind and body to relax.