A navicular stress fracture is an incomplete crack in the navicular bone in the foot. The navicular is an important bone in the arch structure of the foot, so is under a lot of strain.  Weight bearing activities can place a lot of compressive forces through the bone. If these forces are high and repetitive and beyond what the bone can cope with, then a stress reaction and then a stress fracture may occur. Those with this condition usually have pain in the arch of the foot on weight bearing. There is usually a tender spot over the navicular on palpation. It can also ache at night. Usually this is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, but a bone can or MRI may help.

Treatment for a navicular stress fractures usually involved 6-8 weeks of non-weight bearing in a cast of walking brace. Then it requires a gradual return to activity with lots of strengthening and stretching exercises during this progressive return. The athlete will also benefit from other activities such as swimming and cycling during the recovery period to maintain fitness. Surgery for a navicular stress fracture is also a last resort.

Podiatry Arena

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