Seeking Advice on Accessory Navicular Syndrome
I’m an 18-year-old athlete weighing 152 lbs and recently experienced a sprained ankle. Following the injury, I had an X-ray taken to ensure there were no fractures, which led to the discovery of an accessory navicular bone—a condition present in about 10% of the population. My doctor reassured me it wasn’t a concern, so we decided to move forward without further treatment and I was given a cast for the sprain. Once the cast was removed, the swelling from the sprain had mostly subsided, but I noticed a noticeable bump around the accessory navicular area. The physician mentioned that this was likely due to limited movement and suggested it would heal as I regained mobility. However, after three weeks of rest, I'm still experiencing sharp pain in the navicular area when I apply pressure, and the bump hasn’t diminished in size. Although the intensity of the pain has slightly reduced, the improvement is minimal. I suspect I may have accessory navicular syndrome, and I am concerned that my doctor might not fully understand my situation. I’ve observed that after resting, the pain disappears, but as soon as I start walking again, it intensifies. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions on how I can expedite my recovery. I’m eager to get back to my sports, but this seemingly relentless issue is really delaying my return.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 9:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a challenging situation with your accessory navicular bone, especially after experiencing a sprained ankle. Given your athletic background and the pain you’re experiencing, let’s focus on a few key aspects to facilitate your recovery.
Main Points:
- You may be experiencing accessory navicular syndrome, which can cause pain and discomfort.
- Rest and gradual movement are essential, but further management may be needed to ensure proper recovery.
Explanation: Accessory navicular syndrome occurs when the accessory navicular bone causes pain, often due to irritation of surrounding tissues, especially during movement. Since you’ve noticed a bump and pain that worsens with activity, it is likely that your condition needs more than just rest and observation.
Next Steps:
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Gradual Mobility: Continue to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. When you resume walking, start with short distances on soft surfaces where possible, and gradually increase your activity level. Pay attention to how your body responds.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and pain. Make sure to wrap ice in a cloth to avoid frostbite.
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Compression & Elevation: If swelling persists, you can use a compression wrap to help manage it and elevate your foot when sitting or lying down.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen) may help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to follow dosing instructions and check for any contraindications based on your health background.
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Footwear: Wear supportive shoes and consider using insoles that can help provide cushioning and support to the arch of your foot.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your activities, pain levels, and any swelling to share with your doctor if you seek further treatment. This information can help them better understand your condition.
Given that the bump has not diminished, and you are still experiencing significant pain, it might be beneficial to reach out to your physician again for a follow-up or even consider seeking a second opinion from a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a sports medicine doctor. They can provide a more targeted evaluation and discuss options like physical therapy or possibly custom orthotics.
Please remember that recovery may take time, and being proactive about managing your symptoms will be key to returning to your sport. Stay positive and focused on these steps, and take care of yourself!
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