Author: William Adam

There is a problem called a tarsal coalition where two of the bones in the tarsal area (rearfoot) in the feet are abnormally fused together. This tarsal area of the feet involves seven bones known as the tarsal bones, which are positioned between the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and the bones of the front foot (metatarsals). A tarsal coalition most commonly involves the bones called the talus and calcaneus and sometimes the navicular. The union between these bones can be a fibrous soft tissue where there can be a bridge of fibrous tissue that connect the 2 bones. The fusion may also be osseous where there is a bony connection fusing the 2 bones. This fusion amongst the bones limits the ordinary motion and suppleness with the joints which are impacted resulting in a array of different signs and symptoms depending upon the bones which might be involved. A tarsal coalition can often be not identified early in kids as the foot is usually still really flexible, but around the adolescent years the symptoms start to show up. The actual causes of these tarsal coalitions are not fully understood, however it's thought to be a genetic condition, which means it has been existing from birth. In some cases, in adults, the tarsal coalition can also be a consequence of trauma or osteoarthritis.

Ordinarily, the frequent symptoms connected with a tarsal coalition are generally fairly hazy and can include pain in the area which can be often initially hard to locate at one joint involving the affected bones. That discomfort will typically exacerbate with a lot more 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 might be fused. This coalition can cause weakness or muscle aches in the impacted lower leg or foot. There may be an irregular gait or walking pattern like a limp. You may also have an position issue for example a flatfoot or high-arched foot deformity can manifest. The ultimate diagnosing of tarsal coalition is typically made through a mixture of clinical symptoms and history of the symptoms and then imaging studies such as X-rays or a CT scan. This imaging will show the actual abnormal bony fusion or fibrous link between the actual tarsal bones.

The therapy for tarsal coalition depends on the degree of pain and the impact that they have on everyday living. Non-surgical approaches usually are tried first and will include the stopping activities which worsen symptoms or cause pain. Foot orthotic devices provides support and lower excessive movement in the impacted joints. Stretching and building up physical exercises will help improve joint flexibility in the other joints round the affected areas. In the event the pain is particularly problematic, then nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatments (NSAIDs) enables you to lessen inflammation and pain. In the event these kinds of methods do not provide enough relief and it's also severe next surgical treatment might be contemplated. The objective of the surgical procedures are to split up the fused bones by taking out the bridge involving the joint to try and rebuild usual joint movements.