There is a problem known as a tarsal coalition in which a couple of the bones within the tarsal area (rearfoot) of the feet are atypically fused together. The tarsal region of the foot includes 7 bones called the tarsal bones, which are positioned between the leg bones (tibia and fibula) and also the bones of the front foot (metatarsals). A tarsal coalition most frequently involves the bones referred to as talus and calcaneus and oftentimes the navicular. The union between these bones can be a fibrous soft tissues in which there can be a connection of fibrous tissue that connect the 2 bones. The fusion may also be osseous where there is a bony connection fusing the two bones. This fusion between the bones reduces the ordinary motion and flexibility with the joints that are affected producing a range of different signs and symptoms depending on the bones which might be involved. The tarsal coalition is usually not found early in youngsters as the foot can be still really flexible, but around the teenage years the symptoms start to show up. The actual causes of these tarsal coalitions aren't totally understood, however it is believed to be a genetic problem, meaning it has been found from birth. Sometimes, in adults, the tarsal coalition may result from injury or osteo-arthritis.
Ordinarily, the common signs and symptoms related to a tarsal coalition are relatively vague and will include pain in the area which is often at first hard to track down at one joint amongst the involved bones. This pain will generally exacerbate with an increase of physical activity and get much better with the help of rest. You will have a rigidity and limited range of flexibility in the joint or joints which are affected. The coalition might cause weakness or muscle aches from the affected lower leg or foot. There might be an abnormal gait or walking sequence for example a limp. You may also have an alignment issue for example a flatfoot or higher arch foot deformity can manifest. The ultimate diagnosis of tarsal coalition is usually made through a blend of clinical symptoms and history of the symptoms and after that imaging reports such as X-rays or perhaps a CT scan. The imaging will demonstrate the abnormal bony union or fibrous link between the tarsal bones.
The treatment for tarsal coalition would depend on the degree of signs and symptoms and the impact they have on daily activities. Non-surgical techniques are typically attempted first and include the stopping exercises which exacerbate symptoms or hurt. Foot orthotic devices provides support and reduce excessive motion within the impacted joints. Stretching and building up exercises will help increase joint mobility in the other joints about the affected regions. When the pain is particularly tricky, then nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatments (NSAIDs) enables you to decrease pain and inflammation. In the event these types of methods do not give sufficient relief and it's also severe next surgical treatment may be contemplated. The purpose of the surgical procedures are to separate the merged bones by taking off the connection between the bones to try and bring back typical joint movement.