There is a condition known as a tarsal coalition where a couple of the bones in the tarsal region (hindfoot) in the foot are abnormally fused together. The tarsal area of the feet comprises 7 bones called the tarsal bones, which are positioned between the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and also the bones of the forefoot (metatarsals). A tarsal coalition most often affects the bones called the talus and calcaneus and infrequently the navicular. The union involving these bones may be a fibrous soft tissue where there can be a link of fibrous tissue which join the 2 bones. The fusion may be osseous where there is a bony connection merging the two bones. This fusion between the bones reduces the ordinary motion and flexibility of the joints that are impacted producing a array of different signs and symptoms according to the bones which might be involved. A tarsal coalition is usually not noticed early in children because the foot is still really flexible, but about the adolescent years the signs and symptoms start to appear. The actual reasons for these tarsal coalitions aren't totally understood, however it's thought to be a hereditary problem, meaning that it has been found from birth. Sometimes, in adults, the tarsal coalition could also result from injury or osteo-arthritis.

Often, the common signs and symptoms related to a tarsal coalition are usually relatively vague and can include pain in the region which is frequently to begin with hard to locate at one joint between the involved bones. This pain will typically exacerbate with an increase of exercise and get better with rest. You will see a rigidity and restricted range of motion around the joint or joints which are fused. The actual coalition might result in tiredness or muscle cramps in the impacted leg or foot. There may be an abnormal gait or walking pattern for example a limp. There may also be an alignment concern such as a pronated or higher arch foot deformity might manifest. The final proper diagnosis of tarsal coalition is usually made through a mixture of clinical symptoms and history of the signs and symptoms and then imaging studies for example X-rays or perhaps a CT scan. The imaging will show the actual unnatural bony fusion or fibrous connection between the actual tarsal bones.

The treatment for tarsal coalition is determined by the degree of pain along with the impact they have on everyday living. Non-surgical approaches tend to be tried first and may include the avoiding physical activities which irritate symptoms or hurt. Foot orthotic inserts will offer support minimizing too much movement in the affected joints. Stretching out and strengthening physical exercises will help improve joint mobility in the other joints around the affected regions. When the pain is especially tricky, after that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce inflammation and pain. When these methods tend not to give enough relief and it's also severe next surgical treatment could be contemplated. The purpose of the surgical procedures are to split up the merged bones by removing the connection between them to try to bring back usual joint movement.