What is an accessory navicular bone (ANB) and how can this condition be remedied?
An accessory navicular bone is an extra piece of cartilage or bone found on the inner side of the foot. A person is born with this condition, making it congenital. It’s present at birth and is therefore not the result of disease or injury.
How many people are born with an accessory navicular bone? Studies reveal anywhere from 4% to 21% of the population. People with flat feet or high arches are most vulnerable and it is more prevalent in women than in men.
How does Accessory Navicular Bone Manifest?
Some people with accessory navicular bone may not display any symptoms while others do. Those with this extra bone may experience swelling of the foot, pain, discomfort, and or foot mobility issues.
When the bone has become inflamed, the situation is more serious and referred to as accessory navicular syndrome (ANS). ANS symptoms include redness, warmth in the affected area, midfoot tenderness, and pain, as well as a compromised ability to walk or stand for extended periods.
Accessory Navicular Bone Treatment Options
A podiatrist will assess your symptoms and depending on the severity will propose a treatment plan.
For less-severe cases this may mean bed rest, soothing the pain with ice, wearing orthotics, and engaging in physical therapy to improve mobility.
If this conservative treatment isn’t working and symptoms are recurrent, surgical intervention may be necessary. One of the more common surgical procedures performed is called a navicular excision. In this surgery, the accessory bone is carefully removed.
Recovery times can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. If the patient has also lost strength and range of motion in the foot, physical therapy may be required post-surgery.
Are You Worried About Foot and Ankle Pain?
If you’re having difficulty walking or suffering tenderness and pain in your foot, it’s time to get it checked out by a professional. Schedule an appointment with Virginia’s leading podiatrist Dr. Lonny Nodelman.
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Disclaimer: Any information provided in this blog is not intended to replace medical advice given by qualified professionals.