Navicular Stress Fracture

A navicular stress fracture is an uncommon problem in the navicular bone, which is located on the top of the arch of the foot, just on front of the ankle. A stress fracture occurs when there is too much load on a bone for the bone to adapt to it, so the most common cause of a navicular stress fracture is overuse, especially in running and jumping athletes. The symptoms of a navicular stress fracture is a diffuse ache in the area of the bone, sometimes a very tender spot right over the top of the bone.  A definitive diagnosis is usually made by x-ray or a CT scan. The standard treatment for a navicular stress fracture is usually 6-8 weeks in a non-weightbearing splint. Foot orthotics are often used after that. A very careful and gradual return to activity levels is needed. The exact training error in the athletes routine that caused the navicular stress fracture in the first place needs to be discussed and strategies needs to be put in place to prevent it happening again.

Croydon Total Footcare can offer advice to those with a Navicular Stress Fracture.