What is The Kidner Procedure - Lasting Foot Pain Relief
by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
Understanding the Foot and the Kidner Procedure
Before we get into the Kidner Procedure, it's important to give a little background on the foot anatomy itself.
The Basic Anatomy of the Foot
To appreciate the importance of the accessory navicular, let's delve into the basics of foot anatomy.
Our feet are made up of three main types of bones: tarsals at the back, metatarsals in the middle, and phalanges, which are the toe bones. Among the tarsals, there are usually seven bones, including the navicular. This bone sits between the ankle bone and the smaller tarsal bones, forming a crucial part of our foot structure.
Understanding this basic foot anatomy sets the stage for grasping the role of the accessory navicular in our overall foot health.
What's an Accessory Navicular?
The human foot is a complex structure composed of various bones, and anomalies can sometimes occur, leading to discomfort and pain.
One such condition involves the presence of an accessory navicular. The accessory navicular is an additional bone that can be found along the inner center arch of the foot. Approximately 2.5 percent of individuals are born with this extra bone, though it often goes unnoticed during early childhood. While not all accessory navicular bones cause discomfort, as individuals grow and engage in physical activities, the accessory navicular may become more prominent, potentially causing discomfort or other foot-related issues, particularly during activities such as walking or engaging in sports.
In some cases, medical attention may be required to address any symptoms or complications associated with this anatomical variation. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the accessory navicular and explore the Kidner Procedure, a surgical solution designed to alleviate the associated discomfort.
Why you can trust us:
We believe in the power of specialization. What that means is that we have multiple orthopaedic ankle and foot specialists who treat foot and ankle orthopaedic injuries daily.
We have Ankle and Foot Physical Therapy - our orthopaedic ankle and foot team sees it every week, so you can trust the care you'll receive at POA.
What Does it Feel Like to Have an Issue With an Accessory Navicular
Having this extra foot bone commonly goes noticed. So how can you tell if your foot pain may be related to an accessory navicular? Below is a list of the symptoms you could be experiencing and a list of at-home treatments you can use to try to reduce your discomfort while you wait to see a foot specialist.
Symptoms That Could Mean You Have an Accessory Navicular
Persistent pain or discomfort along the inner arch of the foot
Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
Difficulty wearing certain types of shoes due to irritation
Pain exacerbated by physical activities or prolonged periods of standing
Visible prominence or bump on the inner side of the foot
Limited range of motion in the affected foot
Redness or warmth around the accessory navicular site
Gradual onset of symptoms, which may become more pronounced over time
Discomfort that may interfere with daily activities and physical pursuits
Potential development of flat feet or changes in foot arch structure
How to Reduce Irritation From an Accessory Navicular
Rest: Give your foot a break and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for short periods to help reduce inflammation.
Elevation: Elevate your foot when resting to minimize swelling.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help manage pain.
Supportive Footwear/Orthotics: To reduce pressure on the accessory navicular, wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Consider over-the-counter or custom orthotic inserts to provide additional support and alleviate discomfort.
Modify Activities: Steer clear of high-impact activities that strain the feet excessively, such as running or jumping. Adjust your daily activities to minimize standing or walking for extended periods until you can consult with a specialist.
Why Does an Extra Foot Bone Cause Pain?
When you have an accessory navicular, it can sometimes cause trouble for a tendon in your foot called the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon helps support your arch and foot movement. But with the extra bone hanging around, it might rub against the tendon, causing irritation and, over time, persistent pain. This kind of discomfort can really mess with your day-to-day activities and make it harder to enjoy physical stuff like walking or playing sports. So, it's not just a small thing – it can genuinely affect how you go about your daily routine and stay active.
What is the Kidner Procedure - A Solution for Pain Relief
If you're dealing with pain because of that extra bone in your foot (the accessory navicular), there's a solution called the Kidner Procedure that can really help. This is a surgical fix that focuses on getting rid of the extra bone, which, in turn, can ease the pain you've been feeling. By taking out that pesky extra bit, the procedure aims to bring relief and let you get back to using your foot the way you're used to. It's like a key to kick that discomfort out and help you regain your normal foot function.
The Surgical Process
What is The Kidner Procedure?
The Kidner Procedure is a surgical procedure that begins by separating the accessory navicular from the posterior tibial tendon. After successfully isolating the extra bone, the surgeon proceeds to remove it from the foot altogether. Once the accessory navicular has been excised, the posterior tibial tendon is reattached to the appropriate navicular bone, restoring the structural integrity of the foot.
How is The Kidner Procedure Done?
To perform this procedure, the surgeon typically makes a small incision on the side of the foot, ensuring precision and minimal disruption. This incision serves as the gateway for the surgical maneuvers. After the entire procedure is completed, the incision is carefully closed with stitches, allowing for proper healing. It's a meticulous process aimed at addressing the root cause of the discomfort and ensuring that the foot can heal and function optimally after the surgery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
What to Expect After The Kidner Procedure
After the Kidner Procedure, the road to recovery usually takes about six weeks. During this time, it's common for patients to rely on crutches to take the weight off their healing foot.
This initial phase is super important because it gives your foot the time it needs to heal up properly. As the recovery moves along, you should start feeling a lot better, with a noticeable drop in the pain that the accessory navicular was causing.
It's like hitting the reset button on your foot troubles, and by the end of those six weeks, you'll likely be well on your way to walking and moving around more comfortably.
The Kidner Procedure stands as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with persistent foot pain attributed to the accessory navicular. By understanding the intricacies of this condition and the surgical solution offered by the Kidner Procedure, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare, seeking lasting relief and an improved quality of life. If you think you are potentially suffering discomfort from an extra foot bone and want to consult with our specialists, you can send us a message online, call us: (609) 924-8131, or text us: (609) 293-2816; We are here to help you get back on your feet.
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