Basic Information On Navicular Pain

By Deanne Shepard


The navicular bone is one of the bones found on top of mid foot. Its location is the top of the arch. There is also such bone in the wrist. Navicular pain can be caused by many reasons one of them being fractures in the bone. The bone is attached to a major muscle in the foot, which contacts and relaxes with changes in position of the foot. Such movements in the muscle cause pains.

Both animals and human beings get affected by this condition as a result of various reasons. Some of the major causes include falls, direct trauma, severe twists, and abnormal menstrual cycles. Intensive exercises such as spring and dancing cause gradual development of the condition. A change in environment of training and activities done are some of major contributing factors.

This condition reveals itself in different ways in different patients. A poorly localized pain is however the commonest symptom in most people. The aching is felt in the inner arch and may radiate to the ankle. The pain is made worse by engaging in activity, but reduces when one stops the activity. Other symptoms include pain in one foot, an altered gait, tenderness in the region, and inflammation. Advanced phases of the pain can prevent one from even walking or participating in any activity.

Diagnosis of this condition depends on a few factors. In some cases, the problem can be diagnosed through a thorough objective and subjective examination by a physiotherapist. In cases where a physical examination is not sufficient, other diagnostic procedures can be employed. Most commonly used diagnostic procedures include CT scans, MRI scans, bone scans, and X-ray. Bone scans reveal the presence of fractures and their severity.

The various treatment options available are applied depending on how severe the condition is. Treatment options fall under non-surgical and surgical techniques. Non-surgical techniques include use of casts, physical therapy, and medication. Casts are used to hold bones together to allow fast and easy healing. Patients may need crutches for walking during the entire period their foot is placed in a cast.

Physical therapy restores bones back into their right position through the use of various manipulation methods. Physical ability may need over nine months to be regained fully. Physiotherapists sometimes prescribe oral nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs to some patients. Immobilization combined with injected or oral steroids is also a common prescription. Pains and inflammation are reduced by the steroids.

Surgical treatment is only advised after non-operative or conservative treatment has been maintained for more than 4 to 6 months. The condition must also be very severe because surgery is applied very rarely in this case. Surgery is meant to realign the bones back in place. Normally a cast and crutches are needed after the surgical procedure.

Fractures and pains can be prevented by taking preventive measures. Among the preventive measures is wearing shoes that fit well and provide support to feet. The choice of shoes should be done carefully to ensure that they suit the activity they are used for. One can encourage development of strong bones by consuming meals rich in calcium minerals and vitamin D.




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