Navicular Stress Fracture

Navicular Stress Fracture

The navicular bone is an ankle bone (midfoot) which is located on top of the heel bone (calcaneus). Navicular stress fractures are common injures in sports that require a lot of direction changes and explosive movements. For example: Sprinting, High Jump, Long Jump, Soccer, Martial arts, XMA. Find information about other sports injuries at injuries main.

Description: Navicular Stress Fracture

  • Stress fractures are overuse injuries.
    When muscles become fatigued and therefore can't absorb all the shocks, the fatigued muscles transfer the overload the bone causing a tiny crack => stress fracture. Midfoot stress fractures often occur when the proportions between foot and leg muscles are not well-balanced.

Symptoms: Navicular Stress Fracture

  • Midfoot pain below the ankle and over the navicular bone.
  • The pain goes away when you rest a few days, but comes back as soon as you exercise.
  • Pain when pressure is applied between the navicular bone and the talus.
  • Sometimes swelling over the navicular bone.

Who is susceptible: Navicular Stress Fracture

  • Sprinters and hurdle runners
  • Long jumpers and high jumpers
  • Soccer players
  • Badminton players
  • Martial artists & XMArtists

Treatment: Navicular Stress Fracture

  • Rest
  • Consult a sports injury specialist.
  • Apply ice to reduce swelling and release pain.
  • A cast may be applied for 4 to 8 weeks.
  • In extreme cases surgery may be required.
  • Strengthening exercises for the ankle and lower leg.
  • Sports Massage for the foot, the ankle and the calves.

Advice: Navicular Stress Fracture

  • Sometimes the fracture is not visible in an X-ray. Bone scan or MRI are usually more suitable.
  • Strengthen your foot muscles and warm up before every workout.
  • Training in a cold environment can increase the risk of a navicular stress fracture.

Videos: Navicular Stress Fracture

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