Quick answer: Accessory Navicular Syndrome 3 is a clinical condition that responds to evidence-based treatment when caught early. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and altered function. Diagnosis requires clinical exam, often imaging. Treatment ladder: conservative care first (4-6 weeks), then targeted interventions if needed. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?
Not every case of accessory navicular syndrome is straightforward. In our clinic we routinely rule out three look-alike conditions before confirming the diagnosis. If your symptoms don’t match the classic presentation, one of these may explain the pain — which is why physical exam matters more than self-diagnosis.
| Condition | How It Differs |
|---|---|
| Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction | Pain along the tendon course with progressive flatfoot; may coexist. |
| Medial midfoot sprain | Ligamentous tenderness without a prominent bony bump. |
| Navicular stress fracture | Dorsal midfoot pain with impact; confirmed on MRI, not an accessory bone. |
Red Flags — When to See a Podiatrist Now
Seek expert evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you notice any of the following:
- Visible bony bump on the medial midfoot with redness
- Collapsing arch in a child or adolescent
- Pain preventing participation in sport
- Failed 6 weeks of orthotic and activity modification
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment. For an urgent foot or ankle problem, call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll find the soonest opening.
In Our Clinic: What We See
Clinical perspective from Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI:
Accessory navicular syndrome shows up in active adolescents and sometimes adults with a visible medial bump. In our clinic the exam finding is tenderness directly over the ossicle and pain with resisted inversion. X-rays confirm the accessory bone; MRI shows whether the ossicle is inflamed. Most patients respond to custom orthotics, activity modification, and short-term boot immobilization over 6-12 weeks. When conservative care fails, a Kidner procedure — excising the ossicle and re-attaching the posterior tibial tendon — restores arch function. Dr. Biernacki counsels families to try orthotics for 6 weeks first; surgery when needed is predictable but usually preventable.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers online booking 24/7 at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.