Accessory navicular syndrome is a bit tough to research. You type it into a search engine; you get sent to a lot of veterinary sites as this ailment is often associated with horses. It seems the phrase “healthy as a horse” is a bit exaggerated.
It’s a bit surprising that humans would suffer an ailment common in horses, considering that a human foot is as different from a horse’s hoof as it can get. If a horse needs shoes, the owner takes him to a farrier who nails the shoes on and maybe trims and cleans the hooves while he’s at it. If only your shoe salesman and manicurist could be one person!
What is an Accessory Navicular?
The accessory navicular (anatomically known as the os navicularum or os tibiale externum) is a redundant bone or bit of cartilage located on the inside of the foot right above the arch. It is embodied within the posterior tibial tendon, where it attaches to this area. An accessory navicular is often congenital, meaning present from birth. It is not a normal part of ordinary bone structure and thus is not present in most people.
The Reviews:
Something like a little extra bone on your foot shouldn’t keep you from walking and running as you normally would. Here are some shoes that many have found beneficial to people with accessory navicular syndrome.
1. Brooks Women’s Addiction 13
These running shoes are not only great for controlling pronation but maybe just the thing for that accessory navicular. Everything from the professional padded collar to the lightweight soles gives this shoe the ability to keep your foot well-cushioned with every step.
The plush cushioning and premium support in this shoe will keep you going mile after mile after mile! Everything in this shoe was designed with ultimate comfort in mind.
Features and Benefits:
The thick cushioning absorbs shock. The twelve-millimeter breathable mesh upper with structurally-supportive synthetic overlays manages moisture. The lace-up closure makes for a custom fit. The padded tongue and collar are very comfortable.
The fabric lining is butter smooth and provides a great in-shoe feel. The foam insole is removable for convenience. The BioMoGo DNA midsole not only provides long-lasting cushioning but is twice as biodegradable as most other shoes.
The patented Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar® aids in the controlling of pronation as well as the promotion of smoother transitions all through the gait cycle. The segmented heel crash pad guarantees smoother landings. The HPR Plus supplies withstanding durability in high-wear areas of the outsole.
What We Like:
- Quality stability is uncompromising.
- The sole and upper materials are all very lightweight.
- The cushioning of this shoe is superb.
- This shoe is also highly breathable
What We Don’t:
- The fit is not always true to size.
2. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Clifton 5 Running Shoe
A commitment to developing top-notch products to their customers is what drives Hoka One One to create comfortable and innovative athletic shoes. They are a company that steps back to look at the big picture and see what impact their actions could have on the world and society as a whole. This allows them to develop products unlike anything else currently on the market. This particular shoe manages to bring in extra cushioning without the extra weight.
Features and Benefits:
The speed frame construction of the shoe makes it easy to run in. This no-sew quality speed frame construction option plays a very important part of professionally lowering any risk of your feet being irritated. The wide toe box gives toes more room to move making the walking ability more natural. The rubber sole is flexible and absorbs shock.
What We Like:
- The frame construction makes this a shoe for running.
- The shoe overall reduces foot irritation.
- The CMEVA Midsole is full-length in order to ensure that you have professional cushioning.
- The air mesh upper sees to it that your foot will be well ventilated
What We Don’t:
- There’s room for improvement on the fit and sizing.
3. Asics T448N Men’s GEL-PURSUE Running Shoes
If you are in the market for a reliable running shoe the Asics Gel Pursue 4 could very well be the shoe for you. This is a shoe that keeps on delivering a remarkable ride quality desired by the average athlete. If you are a runner looking for responsiveness this shoe could very well be your best option. It is durable, shock-absorbent and comes in many bold colors.
Features and Benefits:
The GEL Cushioning Systems in the front and back attenuate shock during the impact and toe-off phases plus allow for natural movement in all directions as the foot transitions through the walk cycle. The one of a kind Guidance Trusstic System integrates Guidance Line manufacture for better gait efficiency while supplying midfoot structural integrity.
The vertical flex groove uncouples the tooling around the line of progression for better gait efficiency. The independently placed eyelets spread out lace tension, making a custom fit with improved upper comfort. The exoskeletal heel counter offers enhanced support and makes for a better fit in the heel fitting.
What We Like:
- The cushioning ability is of top quality.
- The shoes are very lightweight.
- Cleaning these shoes is very simple.
- There is a wide range of colors that you can choose from.
- The performance is impressive.
- The shoe is both comfortable and durable.
What We Don’t:
- Apparently, this style proved so popular Amazon has a hard time keeping it in stock.
- The insole needs improvement.
- It tends to run on the small side.
4. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe
We try not to flog too many of one brand, but Hoka One One makes such a great shoe for people who want to run without pain that we just can’t help blowing their horn! This particular style has proven to be very versatile. It was made for running, but can be used for work or just every day walking. This new offering is a real game-changer with several enhancements to improve your walking and running ability. Even standing still is more pleasurable in these!
Features and Benefits:
The mesh upper provides breathability. The rubber sole is flexible and absorbs shock. The full-EVA midsole delivers a smooth and balanced ride. The innovative Meta-Rocker technology creates a specialized fulcrum effect to make walking and running easier than ever.
What We Like:
- The cushioning capacity of the Hoka One One Bondi 6 is quite good at returning energy to the foot.
- This running shoe has proven to be efficient at being a functional part of work apparel.
- These shoes have proven able to stave off any discomfort in tendons, joints, and muscles during strenuous activities.
- There is a wide range of colors to choose from.
- The shoes are very breathable.
What We Don’t:
- Some wearers have found the fit to be too narrow.
- The tongue tends to chafe.
- The rubber outsole could stand to be more durable.
5. Mizuno Women’s Wave Lightning Z3 Volleyball Shoe
I know, the name of this shoe sounds like an attack power from Sailor Moon! But you can rest assured that the Mizuno Wave Lightning will become your power in this new age of magnificence and elegance. This brand is particularly popular with volleyball players, so it can take a lot of impact. Whether you spend your days wearing these shoes playing sports or just walking around, these could be the shoes for you.
Features and Benefits:
The upper material is made from lightweight pure grain leather that is superlatively soft which will see to it that your foot will be kept free from blisters. The rubber sole provides flexibility and shock absorption. The maximum cushioning also adds to shock absorption plus comfort. The anatomical cup-in-sole fits the bottom of the foot perfectly. The diagonal flexible groove lets the wearer turn with full strength and power.
What We Like:
- The shoes are very lightweight
- This is a high-quality shoe made of high-quality materials.
- The wide toe box adds to the comfort and facilitates natural walking.
- Cleaning the shoe is very simple.
What We Don’t:
- There is room for improvement in the air mesh upper.
What Exactly is Accessory Navicular Syndrome?
Patients who have an accessory navicular are often completely unaware of this condition if it causes no ill. However, some people who have this extra bone may develop a painful condition called accessory navicular syndrome. This can happen when the bone and/or the posterior tibial tendon are irritated. This can be the outcome of any of the following:
- Physical trauma, such as from spraining a foot or ankle
- Constant irritation due to ill-fitting shoes or other footwear eroding against the extra bone
- Excessive activity or overuse
Quite a few people with the accessory navicular syndrome also have flat feet, also known as fallen arches. Having a flat foot puts even more stress on the posterior tibial tendon. This can result in irritation or inflammation of the accessory navicular.
What are a Few of the Signs and Symptoms of Accessory Navicular Syndrome?
The first symptoms generally appear when the patient is still a teenager. This is about the time when the bones are growing to their adult length. This is also the time when much of the cartilage is starting to develop into bone. However, there are instances when the symptoms do not manifest until adulthood. The symptoms and signs of accessory navicular syndrome include such things as:
- A noticeable bony protuberance on the midfoot, particularly the inner side of the foot, right above the arch
- Redness or swelling of the bony protuberance
- Vague throbbing or aching sensation in the midfoot and arch, generally happening during or just after periods of activity.
How Will My Doctor Diagnose Accessory Navicular Syndrome?
In order to diagnose the accessory navicular syndrome, the podiatrist will inquire about your symptoms and examine your foot, looking for irritation of the skin or swelling. The doctor might press on the bony protuberance and ask if you feel any discomfort.
The doctor may decide to evaluate your basic foot structure, muscle strength, joint motion, and your gait. An X-ray may generally be ordered just to confirm the diagnosis. If there is chronic pain or inflammation, an MRI or another advanced imaging test could be utilized to evaluate the condition further.
What are Some Treatment Approaches for Accessory Navicular Syndrome?
Surgery is always a last-ditch effort. Noninvasive techniques will be implemented first. The primary goal is to reduce symptoms and manage pain. Any combination of the following may prove useful:
- Immobilization. They may place your foot in a cast or a removable walking boot that will let the affected area rest and thus decrease the inflammation.
- Ice. In order to reduce swelling, you may take a bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel and apply it to the affected area. Never put ice directly on the skin as this can lead to frostbite.
- Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen could be prescribed. In a few cases, oral or injected steroid medications might be implemented in conjunction with immobilization in order to lower pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy might be prescribed. This can include exercises and treatments designed with the purpose to strengthen your muscles and lower inflammation. The exercises could also aid in the prevention of any recurrence of the symptoms.
- Orthotic devices. Custom made orthotic devices that fit directly into the shoe offer support for the arch and could very well play a role in keeping future symptoms from manifesting.
Even after many successful treatments, the symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome may at times reoccur. Should that happen, nonsurgical approaches are generally repeated as necessary.
When Would Surgery Be Required?
Because of the risks involved, surgery is only done if nothing else seems to be working. Should nonsurgical treatment fail to ameliorate the symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome, surgery might be the only solution. Surgery may consist of removal of the accessory bone, reshaping the region and fixing up that posterior tibial tendon in order to better its function. This extra bone is not necessary for any natural foot function.
Conclusion
A horse is a horse, of course. Accessory navicular syndrome also happens to horses that have been worked too hard, injured or constantly driven uphill. An unskilled farrier can often do more harm than good. A pudgy pony is putting a lot of stress on those hooves. In horses, the accessory navicular syndrome can lead to lameness. Never fear! Humans usually don’t get shot over this.
If after an injury or any other time you notice an odd protrusion on your foot particularly if it is accompanied by pain, it could be accessory navicular syndrome. When used in combination with recommended treatment, appropriate footwear may make this problem a little easier to deal with. We hope the above list as helped you in your search.
