What is a navicular drop?

Last updated on June 7th, 2023 at 11:32 am

The human foot is a complex structure that provides support, balance, and mobility. The navicular bone, located in the midfoot, plays an essential role in maintaining the arch of the foot. However, when the navicular bone drops from its normal position, a condition known as navicular drop occurs. A navicular drop can cause pain and discomfort in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, prognosis, prevention and FAQs and answers.

What is a Navicular Drop? 

The navicular bone is one of the tarsal bones in the foot, located on the inner side of the foot. It acts as a keystone in the arch and provides support and stability. When the foot arch collapses or flattens, the navicular bone drops down from its normal position, resulting in a condition known as a navicular drop. Navicular drop is often associated with overpronation, which is the inward rolling of the foot during gait.

Causes 

The pathology can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Overpronation: Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running, putting pressure on the arch of the foot and causing it to collapse.
2. Weakness in the foot and ankle muscles: Weakness in the muscles that support the foot and ankle can also contribute to navicular drop.
3. Tightness in the calf muscles: Tight muscles can affect the foot’s position and contribute to navicular drop.
4. Injuries or trauma: Injuries or trauma to the foot or ankle can cause the navicular bone to shift out of position. Arthritis may also play a role.

Symptoms 

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the midfoot or arch, swelling in the midfoot or ankle, difficulty walking or running, instability, or a feeling of the foot giving way.

Risk Factors 

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing navicular drop, including:

• Flat feet: People with flat feet are more prone to overpronation and may be at a higher risk of developing a navicular drop.
• Doing repetitive activities: Repetitive impact, such as running or jumping, can contribute to the condition.
• Improper footwear: Shoes that do not provide adequate arch support or cushioning can increase the risk of developing a navicular drop.
• Age: Navicular drop may be more common in older adults because the natural wear and tear of the foot and ankle over time cause arthritis.

Treatment for Navicular Drop 

Treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. Some standard treatment options include:

1. Rest: Resting the foot may help reduce pain and inflammation. This may involve avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, such as running or jumping.
2. Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can design an exercise program to help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle. This can help improve stability and support for the navicular bone.
3. Orthotics: Custom-made orthotics can support the foot arch and prevent excessive movement of the navicular bone. This can help reduce pain and discomfort. An orthotic with a medial flange tend to provide good control especially if the condition is not severe. I have also issued the Richie Brace for navicular drops, and patients have reported benefits.  
4. Footwear: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the foot and prevent further injury.
5. Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the foot.

In more severe cases of navicular drop, surgery may be necessary to correct the position of the bone.

The prognosis for Navicular Drop 

This depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate treatment, many people with navicular drop syndrome can experience reduced pain and improved mobility. However, in some cases, the condition may become chronic and require ongoing management.

Prevention Tips

Although not always preventable, you can take several steps to help prevent it, including wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the foot and prevent the development of navicular drop. Exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the foot and ankle can help prevent a navicular drop. Regular stretching of the calf muscles can help improve the foot’s position and reduce the risk of developing the condition. Avoiding activities involving repetitive impact, such as running or jumping, can also help prevent the development of the condition. See foot arch pain for more.

Conclusion 

Navicular drop is a condition that occurs when the navicular bone in the foot drops down from its normal position. It can cause pain and discomfort in the foot, ankle, and even the lower leg but can often be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. By understanding the causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, prognosis, and prevention, you can take steps to maintain the health and function of your feet and ankles. If you experience symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Remember, your health is your wealth. Good luck!

FAQs 

1. What is the navicular bone? 

The navicular bone is a tarsal bone in the foot that plays a vital role in maintaining the arch of the foot.

2. What causes the condition? 

Navicular drop can be caused by overpronation, weakness in foot and ankle muscles, tightness in the calf muscles, or injuries or trauma to the foot or ankle. Not to be missed is arthritis.

3. What does a positive navicular drop test mean?

A positive test means that there is excessive downward movement of the navicular bone when the foot is placed in a weight-bearing position. This indicates that the foot is overpronating, which can lead to various foot and lower leg problems.

4. Can I reduce my navicular drop through exercise or footwear?

Limited evidence suggests that specific exercises or footwear modifications may help. Strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg muscles, such as toe curls, calf raises, single-leg balance, and specific exercises to strengthen the tibialis posterior muscles, may help improve foot and ankle alignment and reduce excessive pronation.

5. Do I need to be concerned if I don’t have foot or lower limb pain? 

Not necessarily. Navicular drop is just one of many factors contributing to foot and lower limb pain, and not everyone with excessive foot pronation will experience pain or dysfunction. However, if you are experiencing foot or lower limb pain or have a history of foot or lower limb injuries, it may be worth getting your navicular drop measured and evaluated by a podiatrist.