A navicular stress fracture is a type of injury that is acquired through the overuse of the bone that sits on top of the heel bone (calcaneus). Basketball, volleyball, and other typical sports that involve jumping put their players in danger of such injury. Especially when landing improperly on the feet, an athlete can suffer mild to severe stress fracture depending on the consistency of the activity. It is very important not to overstress the bone on the ankle especially during practice as this will result to bigger problems that will provide difficulty in walking, standing, and especially in running.
In case you feel something on your ankle which affects you when you perform your exercises during training sessions, get a bone scan or MRI to mark out any possibilities of injury. An x-ray may have the possibility to show or not to show any signs of fractures on the bone of the ankle. However, if an injury is present, discuss with your doctor the best ways on treating the problem. Checking out your ankle during the early stage of the pain is very important in preventing serious damages.
Treatment for the stress fracture should be done right away after the problem has been detected. Usually, the affected lower limb is casted for 6 weeks or more depending on the progress of the ankle. By the time the cast is removed, the doctor or any medical professional would then determine if casting should be re-applied or the six weeks is sufficient for immobilizing the lower limb. This is usually based on the tenderness on the "N" spot.
Stretching exercises are then prescribed by the medical specialist in order for the patient to regain flexibility, muscle bulk, and enhance the range of motion of the injured body part. Strengthening is also conducted to boost up the muscle tissues condition which was laid immobilized for a while. The rest usually takes up the strength of the tissues on the affected area which prevents the ankle from functioning the way it used to.
You can also try sports massage as these type of natural treatment offers deep, penetrating massage strokes and techniques that are known for addressing various medical problems of the human body. However, this can only be possible if the doctor has approved on the additional medical care. If not, there is no reason for you to try the massage therapy as the doctor may see it unnecessary or can cause aggravation to your condition.
Your doctor will tell you when you are ready to take the hard court. Although you are good to go, make sure that you do not overstress your ankle as it is not 100% restored by the time you begin with your training session. Gradual increase of your training program should be maintained in order to avoid the reoccurrence of the injury. Continue your consultation with your doctor to constantly get an update regarding the progress of your condition. By the time you are completely healed and have recovered from the injury, you can perform and practice at the top level of the competition.
