Staff 
April 4, 2025Navicular drop is a clinical measure used to assess the degree of pronation or flattening of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It specifically refers to the difference in height of the navicular bone from the ground when a person is in a neutral (non-weight-bearing) position compared to a relaxed (weight-bearing) position.
Method to measure navicular drop:
1. Mark the Navicular Tuberosity: This is the prominent bony bump on the inner side of the foot.
2. Take a Measurement While Seated: The person sits with their feet flat but not bearing weight. The height of the navicular bone from the floor is measured using a ruler or caliper.
3. Take a Measurement While Standing: The person stands with their weight evenly distributed on both feet. The height of the navicular bone is measured again.
4. Calculate the Navicular Drop: The difference in height between the seated and standing positions is the navicular drop.
Normal Range for the navicular drop:
Generally, a navicular drop of 6–9 mm is considered normal.
Values above 10 mm may indicate excessive pronation or arch collapse, which can be associated with various foot and lower limb problems.
Why Navicular Drop Matters:
Measuring navicular drop helps clinicians:
– Diagnose foot conditions related to arch integrity.
– Develop rehabilitation or orthotic interventions.
– Track progress in treatments aimed at improving foot mechanics.