20360 SW Birch St. Ste 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
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(949) 833-3406
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The accessory navicular (os navicularum or os tibiale externum) is an extra bone or cartilage located on the inner side of the foot just above the arch. It is incorporated within the posterior tibial tendon, which attaches in this area and can lead to what’s called, “Accessory Navicular Syndrome”.
An accessory navicular is congenital (present at birth). It is not part of normal bone structure and therefore is not present in most people.
People who have an accessory navicular often are unaware of the condition if it causes no problems. However, some people with this extra bone develop a painful condition known as accessory navicular syndrome when the bone and/or posterior tibial tendon are aggravated. This can result from any of the following:
Many people with accessory navicular syndrome also have flat feet (fallen arches). Having a flat foot puts more strain on the posterior tibial tendon, which can produce inflammation or irritation of the accessory navicular.
Adolescence is a common time for the symptoms to first appear. This is a time when bones are maturing and cartilage is developing into bone. Sometimes, however, the symptoms do not occur until adulthood. The signs and symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome include:
To diagnose accessory navicular syndrome, your doctor will ask about symptoms and examine the foot, looking for skin irritation or swelling. The doctor may press on the bony prominence to assess the area for discomfort. Foot structure, muscle strength, joint motion and the way the patient walks may also be evaluated.
X-rays are usually ordered to confirm the diagnosis. If there is ongoing pain or inflammation, an MRI or other advanced imaging tests may be used to further evaluate the condition.
The goal of nonsurgical treatment for accessory navicular syndrome is to relieve the symptoms. The following may be used:
If nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome, surgery may be appropriate. Surgery may involve removing the accessory bone, reshaping the area and repairing the posterior tibial tendon to improve its function. This extra bone is not needed for normal foot function.
If you are suffering from the above-mentioned symptoms , feel free to contact our office at (949) 833-3406 or request an appointment. Our podiatrists are well-versed in this condition and will be happy to assist you with any problems you may be experiencing.
20360 SW Birch Street, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92660
M,T,W,F 7:30 am- 5:00 pm
Thursday closed
Phone: +1 (949) 833-3406
Fax: +1 (949) 833-9955
Email: info@cafai.com