The navicular bone is a midfoot bone located on top of the heel bone (calcaneus). Navicular stress fractures are common injuries in sports that require frequent direction changes and explosive movements. Examples include sprinting, high jump, long jump, soccer, martial arts, and XMA.
Find information about other sports injuries at the [injuries main page].
Description: Navicular Stress Fracture
Stress fractures are overuse injuries. When muscles become fatigued and cannot absorb all the impact, the overload is transferred to the bone, causing a tiny crack — a stress fracture. Midfoot stress fractures often occur when the proportions between the foot and leg muscles are not well balanced.
Symptoms: Navicular Stress Fracture
- Pain in the midfoot, below the ankle and over the navicular bone
- Pain that disappears with rest but returns with activity
- 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 & XMA practitioners
Treatment: Navicular Stress Fracture
- Rest
- Consult a sports injury specialist
- Apply ice to reduce swelling and relieve pain
- A cast may be applied for 4–8 weeks
- In extreme cases, surgery may be required
- Strengthening exercises for the ankle and lower leg
- Sports massage for the foot, ankle, and calves
Advice: Navicular Stress Fracture
- Sometimes the fracture is not visible on an X-ray; a bone scan or MRI is 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
Related Topics
- Stress Fractures
- Sprained Ankle
- Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel Bruise / Heel Contusion
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Bone Fractures
Videos: Navicular Stress Fracture
