Monday, August 25, 2014

Information Worth Knowing About 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 humans experience this pain due to many reasons. Among the main reasons are severe twists, repeated stress, a fall, and direct trauma caused to the structure. Excessive weight bearing exercises such as dancing and jumping cause a fracture to develop slowly with time. The problem is also most likely to be caused by changing conditions of training or increasing activity are.

This condition is revealed in several different ways in different patients. However, the most typical symptom is a poorly localized pain experienced in the inner arch of feet or ankle. Participation in impact activity like sprinting or hopping increases the pain which goes away upon resting. Other major symptoms are altered gait, swelling, tenderness around the area, and pain in one foot. Patients are normally unable to participate in impact activities in advanced stages of this condition.

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 condition has several treatment options, which are applicable depending on the level of severity. Treatment options can be categorized into surgical and non-surgical methods. Non-surgical treatment options include physical therapy, medication, and placement of the lower foot in a cast. The cast holds the bones in foot closely allowing them to heal easily and fast. The patient may have to use crutches to help them with walking for some time.

Physical therapy involves a number of manipulation techniques, which return the bones back in their correct position. It can take up to 9 months for one to regain their full potential. Medication such as oral non-steroidal anti-flammatory drugs may also be prescribed. Some physiotherapists recommend immobilization together with injected or oral steroids to lessen inflammation and aching.

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.

Preventive steps can be taken to avoid fractures and pain in navicular bones. One of the most basic steps is wearing well fitting and supportive shoes. The shoes must match the activity one takes part in well. Development of strong bones should also be encouraged by taking diet with plenty of vitamin D and calcium.




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