Walking around with pain in your feet can be very aggravating. First, you want to know what is causing your feet to hurt. Second, it is disrupting the flow of your day. Foot pain can make it hard to walk, stand, or bear weight. This can have a direct impact on your job and responsibilities. If you are plagued by flat feet and are experiencing foot pain, you could be suffering from accessory navicular pain.
What Is the Accessory Navicular?
Sometimes when the foot is formed inside the womb, it creates an extra piece of bone or cartilage. This bonus part of the foot can be found on the inside of the inner foot near the arch. It is located close to a tendon and, due to rubbing and foot formation, can become inflamed and painful over time. Not everyone is born with this extra bone.
What Causes Accessory Navicular Pain?
- Foot or ankle trauma
- Improperly fitting footwear
- Overuse or extreme exercise
- Flat-footedness
Signs and Symptoms of Accessory Navicular Syndrome
Symptoms usually appear during early adolescence. This is because the body is developing, and as the foot develops it becomes more evident that the extra bone is there and taking up space. This bone can begin to get aggravated and swell. A young adult will start complaining of foot pain and could have a hard time walking. Other symptoms include:
Treatment
- Orthotics - These are custom made for each individual foot. They are seamlessly inserted into the shoe and are worn every day. They can help to alleviate stress and pain in the arch and reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy – A podiatrist may ask you to begin physical therapy if you come to the office with this condition. Physical therapy can build up the strength of the foot which can help alleviate pain.
- Ice – A podiatrist may have you ice your foot regularly to help reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling.
- Immobilization – in severe cases, immobilization may be required. This can be in the form of an air cast or a splint. A podiatrist will teach you how to properly immobilize your foot to help it heal.
Pain in the foot does not have to get you down. Instead, call our office to make an appointment to get rid of the pain that an accessory navicular can cause. Call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, New York. There Dr. Joseph A. Stuto and Joseph C. Stuto can help get your accessory navicular pain in control. Call 718-624-7537and make an appointment today.