Located along the inside or medial portion of the foot, the navicular bone plays an important role in supporting the arch, helping the foot remain flexible while also providing strength when standing, walking, running or performing other activities.

Why is the navicular bone important?

The navicular bone is one of the 26 bones in the human foot. It's important for connecting the ankle to the lower bones in our feet and helps form the arch that enables us to walk. It is prone to stress fractures, especially by athletes while kicking, sprinting, twisting, or falling.

What happens if you break your navicular?

Symptoms of a navicular stress fracture usually involve a dull, aching pain in the ankle or at the middle or top of the foot. In the early stages, pain often occurs only with activity. In the later stages, pain may be constant.