Definition

A navicular fracture is a fracture of the navicular bone of the foot, a bone on the top of the midfoot. Athletes are particularly susceptible to fractures of the navicular bone. (There is also a navicular bone in the wrist.)

Navicular Bone of the Foot Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

A navicular fracture can be caused by a fall, severe twist, or direct trauma to the navicular bone. It can also be caused by repeated stress to the foot, creating a stress fracture unrelated to acute trauma.

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that may increase the chance of a navicular fracture include:

• Trauma
• High-impact sports, such as track and field, gymnastics, tennis, or basketball
• Being an adolescent
• In women, abnormal or absent menstrual cycles
• Military recruits
• Osteoporosis or other bone conditions

Symptoms    TOP

Navicular fracture may cause:

• Vague, aching pain in the top, middle portion of the foot, which may radiate along the arch
• Increasing pain with activity
• Pain on one foot only
• Altered gait
• Pain that resolves with rest
• Swelling of the foot
• Tenderness to touch on the inside aspect of the foot

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, which will include a thorough examination of your foot.

Imaging tests evaluate the foot and surrounding structures. These may include:

• X-ray
• Bone scan
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Treatment    TOP

Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan. Treatment options include:

Prevention    TOP

To help reduce your chance of a navicular fracture (or other foot fractures):

• Wear properly fitting, supportive shoes appropriate for the type of activity you are doing.
• Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
• Build strong muscles and practice balancing exercises to prevent falls.