Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day Date in the current year: July 26, 2025

Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD), also known as Perthes disease, is a childhood disorder that commonly affects children between the ages of 4 and 8, although it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months or as late as 15 years. The disorder is caused by a disruption of blood flow to the head of the femur (thigh bone). Without sufficient blood, the bone tissue dies and stops growing. The exact cause of the blood flow disruption is unclear.

Over time, new blood vessels infiltrate the dead bone tissue and restore blood flow. However, the femoral head may become weakened and deformed, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis in adulthood. The prognosis largely depends on the patient’s age. Children aged six or younger have enough time for the affected bone to recover once the disease resolves. However, children aged ten or older are at high risk for developing osteoarthritis.

The first sign of Perthes disease is usually mild hip pain, which can also be felt in the knee or ankle. This pain is exacerbated by movement. The disease can also cause reduced hip mobility and limping. In some cases, children may experience pain in the unaffected hip because they favor the affected hip and put most of their weight on the unaffected leg. Over time, favoring the injured side can lead to muscle atrophy.

A diagnosis is usually suggested by X-rays and verified by an MRI or bone scan. There is no cure for Perthes disease. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing loss of motion in the hip joint, and preventing or minimizing deformity of the femoral head while the disease runs its course.

A pediatric orthopedic surgeon usually determines the optimal course of treatment. It may include traction, orthoses, external fixation, physical therapy, and surgery, if necessary. Children younger than six often do not require intervention and only need to avoid physical activities that could strain the hip until the disease runs its course.

While children with Perthes disease should avoid running and high-impact sports, they can participate in some physical activities, some of which are even recommended. For example, swimming and cycling allow to exercise the hip muscles with minimal stress on the hip joint.

The inaugural Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day was held in 2010. The organizers decided to hold a paddling event because paddling doesn’t involve the use of the legs, allowing people affected by Perthes disease to participate and raise awareness. The event was held annually from 2010 to 2013. Although the Paddle for Perthes social media accounts have been inactive for over a decade, families affected by the disease continue to raise awareness on social media every last Saturday in July.