Bone is not dead tissue, it living and alive. New bone is constantly being laid down and old bone is being absorbed. It is a dynamic process. More bone is laid down in response to loads that are place on the bones. For an athlete, this means they need to gradually increase their loads to allow the bone to adapt. If they increase the load too rapidly, small cracks called stress fractures may develop in the bone.
One particular stress fracture, a navicular stress fracture can occur in the navicular bone. This bone is at the top of the arch of the foot, so plays an important role in holding up the arch of the foot. If a navicular stress fracture occurs, the athlete has no choice but to get of the foot.
For a navicular stress fracture, most athlete will need at least 6-8 weeks off the foot to get better. They can use other activities like cycling to keep fit during this time. A very gradual return to sport is essential or they are going to bet another navicular stress fracture.
Related posts: