Oklahoma (KFOR/NBC) - - A one-year-old boy in Oklahoma was born with a debilitating and rare disease that causes muscle to turn to bone.
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, also known as "Stone Man Syndrome," is extremely rare, affecting only one in two million people.
There is no cure, but little Ryder is making strides every day with help from his mom and a team of doctors.
Proper diagnosis in children with FOP can take years because of its rarity, and as in Ryder's case, symptoms can be difficult to recognize.
"Toe issues, not growing well, some delay in development, and just wasn't doing what a child is supposed to do at that age," Dr. Sownya Krishnan says.
For now, his doctors can only manage and try to prevent symptoms, but excess bone growth can be triggered by something as simple as a fall.
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