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Contents
  • Understanding the Tarsal Navicular
  • Who’s at Risk?
  • Spotting the Symptoms

Are You Ignoring the Silent Pain in Your Feet? Discover Tarsal Navicular Stress Fractures!

Are You Ignoring the Silent Pain in Your Feet? Discover Tarsal Navicular Stress Fractures!

What's This About?

The tarsal navicular bone in your foot can suffer stress fractures without you even realizing it. Learn about the common signs and risks associated with this often-overlooked condition.
Contents
  • Understanding the Tarsal Navicular
  • Who’s at Risk?
  • Spotting the Symptoms

Understanding the Tarsal Navicular

The tarsal navicular acts like a keystone, crucial for the foot's arch and stability. It connects with multiple bones, making it a vital part of the foot’s structure. Unfortunately, due to its biomechanical role and blood supply, it's particularly vulnerable to stress fractures.

Who’s at Risk?

Athletes, especially runners and those in high-impact sports, are most at risk for navicular stress fractures. Poor training routines, unsuitable footwear, and anatomical quirks like high arches can all increase risk. Interestingly, female athletes face a higher risk.
A tarsal navicular stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within the tarsal navicular bone of the foot, often occurring due to repetitive stress and overuse.

Spotting the Symptoms

Symptoms usually start as a mild, persistent pain in the midfoot, worsening with activity and easing with rest. Often, the pain is hard to pinpoint, making it tricky to diagnose. If ignored, it can lead to more severe issues.

FAQs

What is a tarsal navicular stress fracture?

It's a crack in the navicular bone of the foot caused by repeated stress rather than a single injury.

Who is most likely to get these fractures?

Athletes, especially runners and women, are at high risk.

What are the typical symptoms?

Persistent midfoot pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Can these fractures be prevented?

Yes, by using proper footwear and training techniques.

Why are these fractures often missed?

They often present with vague symptoms and are hard to see on regular X-rays.

Key Takeaways

If you're experiencing persistent midfoot pain, it's essential to consider a navicular stress fracture.
Don't ignore foot pain—talk with Doctronic today to assess your risk and get guidance.
Additional References
  1. Sammarco GJ, Hockenbury RT. Biomechanics of the foot and ankle. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
  2. Jones MH, Amendola AS. Navicular stress fractures. Clin Sports Med 2006; 25:151.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.