The accessory navicular is an extra bone or piece of cartilage on the inner side of the foot, just above the arch. This is congenital, or present at birth. Most people do not have this as it is not part of the normal bone structure. People who have this condition are often unaware that they have it, especially if it does not cause problems. However, some people with this extra bone develop accessory navicular syndrome, which is painful. The pain comes from aggravation to the bone or posterior tibial tendon that can come from trauma (like a foot or ankle sprain), chronic irritation (from friction from shoes rubbing against the extra bone), or prolonged activity or overuse. Many of those with this affliction also have flat feet or fallen arches. Having flat feet puts more strain on the posterior tibial tendon, and this can cause inflammation or irritation of the accessory navicular. Symptoms of this syndrome usually appear in adolescence when the bones are mature and cartilage develops into bone. Signs and symptoms of this condition include a visible bony prominence with redness or swelling on the inside of the foot, just above the arch, and a vague pain or throbbing in the midfoot and arch areas, usually after periods of activity. If you or your child have pain in this area of the foot, please see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.