Pain on the Top Inner Side of Your Foot? It Could Be Your Navicular Bone.

October 31 2025

Pain on the top inner side of your foot could be linked to your navicular bone, a key structure that supports your arch and absorbs stress. Learn the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options from the experts at Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC) in Naples, FL.

Understanding the Navicular Bone

If you’ve noticed pain or tenderness on the top inner side of your foot, especially near the arch, you may be dealing with an issue involving your navicular bone.

This small but critical bone plays a key role in supporting your foot’s arch and connecting several midfoot joints. Because of its central position, the navicular is under constant stress with every step, jump, or pivot you take.

Common Causes of Navicular Pain

Pain around the navicular can develop from a number of conditions, including:

🦶 Navicular Stress Fracture: A common overuse injury in runners, dancers, and athletes that causes aching, localized pain on the inner midfoot.
⚡ Accessory Navicular Syndrome: Some people have an extra bone or piece of cartilage near the navicular, which can become irritated or inflamed.
🩻 Arthritis or Degenerative Changes: Repeated strain or past trauma can lead to arthritic pain in the midfoot joints.
💥 Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD): The tendon that supports your arch attaches to the navicular — if it weakens or tears, pain and collapse of the arch can follow.

Symptoms to Watch For

If your navicular bone is affected, you may experience:

Pain or swelling on the inner side of the foot
Discomfort that worsens with activity or standing
Tenderness when pressing on the top inner midfoot
Difficulty pushing off when walking or running
Flattening of the arch in more advanced cases

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to chronic pain or more serious stress injuries — so it’s important to get evaluated early.

Diagnosis & Treatment at FFLC

At the Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), our podiatrists use advanced diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to precisely identify the source of your foot pain.
Once the cause is confirmed, treatment may include:

Custom orthotics or arch supports
Immobilization (boot or cast) for stress fractures
Physical therapy and strengthening
Shockwave therapy for chronic irritation
Surgical correction for persistent or severe cases

Each treatment plan is customized to the patient’s needs, activity level, and recovery goals.

Don’t Ignore the Ache — Let FFLC Help!

If you’re feeling pain on the inner top side of your foot, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage to your arch and help you return to pain-free movement faster.

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has multiple convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

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