Perthes disease is a rare childhood condition that affects the hip joint, causing the femoral head (the "ball" part of the joint) to lose blood supply, leading to bone death. This condition primarily affects children between the ages of 4 and 10 and can result in pain, limited mobility, and potential long-term complications. In honor of Perthes Disease Awareness Day on July 29, let us explore this condition and the significance of Paddle for Perthes Disease in raising awareness and support.
Understanding Perthes Disease: Perthes disease, also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is named after the three physicians who first described it. The exact cause of the condition remains unclear, but it is believed to be associated with genetics and certain risk factors, such as a family history of Perthes disease, low birth weight, and vascular issues. Boys are more commonly affected than girls, and it usually involves only one hip.
Symptoms of Perthes Disease: The initial symptoms of Perthes disease may be subtle, making it challenging to diagnose in the early stages. Common signs and symptoms include:
Hip or groin pain: Children may experience mild to severe pain in the hip or groin area, which may worsen with physical activity.
Limping: As the condition progresses, children may develop a limp or an altered walking pattern to reduce pressure on the affected hip.
Limited range of motion: Children may experience stiffness and reduced mobility in the hip joint, leading to difficulty in performing daily activities.
Muscle atrophy: Over time, the muscles around the hip may weaken and shrink due to decreased use.
Paddle for Perthes Disease - Raising Awareness and Support:
Paddle for Perthes Disease is an initiative aimed at increasing awareness about Perthes disease, providing support to affected children and their families, and raising funds for research and treatment advancements. This special event, held annually on July 29, aims to unite communities, organizations, and individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by Perthes disease.
The primary activity of Paddle for Perthes Disease involves paddleboarding, an accessible and enjoyable sport suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Participants can join paddleboarding events, whether on rivers, lakes, or oceans, to show solidarity with children living with Perthes disease and contribute to the cause.
Raising awareness through Paddle for Perthes Disease helps in the following ways:
Early detection and diagnosis: By spreading knowledge about the condition, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals can recognize the signs of Perthes disease early, leading to timely intervention and better outcomes.
Access to information: Paddle for Perthes Disease events provide platforms to share valuable resources and educational materials about the condition, treatment options, and coping strategies for affected families.
Emotional support: Families facing the challenges of Perthes disease can find a sense of community and emotional support through participating in Paddle for Perthes Disease events and connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Fundraising for research: The funds generated through Paddle for Perthes Disease events contribute to ongoing research efforts, seeking improved treatments and potential cures for Perthes disease.
Perthes Disease Awareness Day, observed on July 29, serves as an important reminder of the impact of Perthes disease on children and their families. Through initiatives like Paddle for Perthes Disease, we can come together to raise awareness, offer support, and drive research efforts forward. Let us paddle forward on this awareness day and beyond, striving to improve the lives of those affected by Perthes disease and ultimately find a cure for this challenging condition.