Navicular Stress Fracture
A navicular stress fracture is an injury that can occur in many different types of athletes. It is a particularly problematic stress fracture as the navicular bone is of prime importance in the arch structure of the foot. Being placed where it is means that once a stress fracture occurs in that bone, then it 6-8 weeks of non-weight bearing that is needed to allow it to heel. The reason for the long layoff for teh athlete is because its such an important weight bearing bone.
A stress fracture occurs when too much load is placed on a bone for it to adapt to that load. So if a navicular stress fracture occurs, then it is important to look at the athletes activities to determine why it happened in the first place so strategies can be put in place to prevent it happening again.
After a navicular stress fracture has healed then there has to be a gradual return to activity to prevent it happening again. Most athlete will substitute things like deep water running, cycling or swimming to maintain fitness while the stress fracture heals.