The accessory navicular is an extra bone or piece of cartilage that most people do not have, but some people are born with on the inner side of the foot, a little above the arch.
People who have an accessory navicular often don't know they even have it, and don’t have to worry about it, unless the accessory navicular causes a problem.
What Is Accessory Navicular Syndrome?
That problem would be a painful condition known as accessory navicular syndrome. This is when the bone and/or posterior tibial tendon are irritated and causing pain.
Accessory navicular syndrome can be caused by variety of things: a foot or ankle sprain, irritation from shoes that rub against the extra bone, and/or too much activity.
Many people with accessory navicular syndrome may have flat feet, which puts more strain on the posterior tibial tendon; this can produce more pain in the accessory navicular.
Symptoms of Accessory Navicular Syndrome
Adolescence is when symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome usually first show up. This is because adolescence is the time of life when bones are still maturing and cartilage is developing into bone.
Symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome may include a bony appearance on the midfoot, redness and swelling of the bony area, and/or pain or throbbing in the midfoot and arch of the foot.
Diagnosis of Accessory Navicular Syndrome
To diagnose accessory navicular syndrome, your foot and ankle surgeon will ask about your about symptoms and examine your foot. Your foot and ankle doctor may also press on the bony area for discomfort. Foot structure, muscle strength, joint motion, how you walk, x-rays and an MRI may also be evaluated.
Treatment for Accessory Navicular Syndrome
Accessory navicular syndrome can be treated non-surgically and tragically. Non-surgical treatment for accessory navicular syndrome may include the following:
- The foot is placed in a cast or removable walking boot to allow the injured area to rest.
- A bag of ice covered with a thin towel is applied to the injured area. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help. In some cases, oral or injected steroid medications may be used while keeping the foot still.
- Physical therapy exercises and treatments can strengthen the muscles and decrease pain.
- Orthotic devices, which fit into the shoe, can provide support for the arch.
Surgical Treatment for Accessory Navicular Syndrome
If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve your symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome, then you may need surgery.
Surgery may include removing the extra bone, reshaping the area, and repairing the posterior tibial tendon. Your foot and ankle surgeon can tell you what treatment is best for you.
Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.
Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.
