Stress fracture of the navicular

A stress fracture of the navicular is a painful overuse injury of the foot that describes a crack in a bone called the navicular. The navicular is a small 'boat' shaped bone on the outside of the foot.

What is a stress fracture of the navicular?

A stress fracture of the navicular describes a small crack in the navicular. The navicular is a small bone on the inside of the foot, just below the ankle that helps to support the arch of the foot. A stress fracture of the navicular is a common overuse sporting injury that presents as pain just below the ankle at the site of the navicular.

What causes a stress fracture of the navicular?

A stress fracture of the navicular is caused when the bone is repetitively overloaded. When bone is overloaded it is damaged, and as a result the bone remodels itselfand becomes stronger. Sometimes, however, the bone cannot remodel itself fast enough due to the frequency of,and the amount of strain being placed upon it. When the bone is unable to adapt fast enough it is not strong enough to cope with the forces being placed upon it and cracks appear. The crack is called a stress fracture.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stress fracture of the navicular?

The signs and symptoms of a stress fracture of the navicular include:

Pain at the site of the navicular on the inside of the foot near the arch and just below the ankle. The pain is worse during activity but eases with rest.
swelling

How is a stress fracture of the navicular diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a stress fracture of the navicular is based on a thorough history, which along with the signs and symptoms and an examination of the area will lead your podiatrist to the correct diagnosis. Occasionally an X-ray may be necessary if healing is not achieved so that the severity of the fracture can be assessed.

Benefits of podiatry for a stress fracture of the navicular

If you have a stress fracture of the navicular you will benefit from assessment and treatment at Chiropody.co.uk. The benefits that can be achieved with podiatry intervention include:

Decrease in pain
Decrease in inflammation
Quicker healing time
Reduced risk of future injury
Improved foot function
Improved gait

The benefits of podiatric treatment for a stress fracture of the navicular may be reached a variety of ways, for instance, your podiatrist may provide orthoses. Orthoses may be used to alter and improve foot and lower limb mechanics, particularly if poor mechanics is contributing to the development of the stress fracture. Orthoses may also be used to alter the forces acting on the navicular so that pressure is reduced and the stress fracture is able to heal.

Other podiatric intervention may include lipus, which aids the healing of bone, as well as therapies designed to improve the joints range of motion and reduce inflammation.

If you think you may have a stress fracture of the navicular please visit us at Chiropody.co.uk for an assessment.

What would podiatry for a stress fracture of the navicular involve?

Here at Chiropody.co.uk we would first obtain a thorough history, which would include a medical history as well as a history of the problem itself.

A diagnosis of a stress fracture of the navicular would be made based on the history, the physical signs and symptoms, and an examination of the area. If a diagnosis of a stress fracture of the navicular is made the following treatment options may be recommended:

Summary

A stress fracture of the navicular is an overuse injury that is very common in sport people. A stress fracture is a crack in the bone that has been caused by repetitive stress. If you have a stress fracture of the navicular you will typically experience pain at the site of the navicular (just below the ankle on the inside of the foot, near the arch). The pain caused by a stress fracture of the navicular is worse when standing and during activity and eases with rest.

If you have a stress fracture of the navicular you should visit one of our podiatrists. Our podiatrists will be able to help ease the painful symptoms and provide support to the area so that healing can be achieved. Our podiatrists will also offer advice on what to do to help prevent stress fractures in the future.

To arrange an assessment with one our podiatrists please email office@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222.

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