Navicular Fractures

What is a Navicular Fracture?

The navicular bone is located in the midfoot and plays an important role in maintaining the arch of the foot.

Navicular fractures may occur from:

  • Stress injuries in athletes
  • Falls or direct trauma
  • High-impact sports

Symptoms

Patients may experience:

  • Pain in the middle of the foot
  • Swelling or tenderness along the arch
  • Pain when walking or running

Treatment

Treatment may include:

  • Immobilization in a cast or boot
  • Activity modification
  • In some cases, surgical fixation if the fracture is displaced

Recovery

Healing typically takes 6–8 weeks, though athletes may require longer rehabilitation before returning to sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

A navicular fracture is a break in the navicular bone, located in the midfoot. This bone plays a key role in maintaining the arch of the foot and supporting proper foot mechanics.

Navicular fractures can result from stress injuries—especially in athletes—as well as falls, direct trauma, or high-impact sports activities.

Common symptoms include pain in the middle of the foot, swelling or tenderness along the arch, and increased pain with walking, running, or activity.

Treatment typically includes immobilization in a cast or walking boot and activity modification to allow healing. In cases where the fracture is displaced or not healing properly, surgery may be required to stabilize the bone.

Most navicular fractures heal within 6–8 weeks. However, athletes and active individuals may need additional rehabilitation time before returning to full activity.

Yes, navicular stress fractures are relatively common in athletes who participate in running and high-impact sports due to repetitive stress on the midfoot.

You should seek medical evaluation if you have persistent pain in the arch or midfoot, especially if it worsens with activity or does not improve with rest.

Get Expert Care for Midfoot and Arch Pain

Navicular fractures can worsen without proper treatment—especially in active individuals. Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan are essential for full recovery and preventing long-term complications.

At East Bay Orthopedic Specialists, you’ll be cared for by highly experienced surgeons including Dr. Michael Krosin, Dr. Steven Zourabian, and Dr. Virginia Lieu—trusted experts in treating navicular fractures in the East Bay Area.

Schedule your consultation today to receive a personalized treatment plan and get back to pain-free movement as quickly as possible.

Our Address

East Bay Orthopaedic Trauma & Reconstruction
19842 Lake Chabot Rd, Suite B
Castro Valley, CA 94546

Contact Us

Dr. Michael Krosin,  Dr. Steven Zourabian & Dr. Virginia Lieu
Phone (510) 750-1967
Fax (844) 718-0067

Appointments

For immediate assistance during business hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm,
please call 510 750 1967