Navigating Recovery: Dr. PhinitPhisitkul on Minimizing Pain with Arthroscopy for Navicular Stress Fractures

Navicular stress fractures are a challenging injury, often misdiagnosed or overlooked, especially in the early stages. These fractures, typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse, occur in the navicular bone of the foot, which is crucial for maintaining the arch and supporting weight-bearing activities. In athletes and active individuals, the symptoms of a navicular stress fracture can sometimes mimic other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and improper treatment. However, thanks to advancements in medical technology, Dr. PhinitPhisitkul has revolutionized the diagnosis of this injury by using arthroscopy, a technique that provides both high precision and clarity in identifying these fractures.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to view the internal structures of the joint and bone in real-time using a small camera, known as an arthroscope, inserted through tiny incisions. Traditionally, diagnosing navicular stress fractures relied on standard imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRIs. However, these methods can sometimes miss subtle fractures or fail to provide a detailed view of the injury's extent. Dr. Phisitkul’s use of arthroscopy offers a significant advantage by allowing him to visually confirm the presence of a stress fracture with unparalleled accuracy.