In Athletes: Insights There are many causes of midfoot pain which are worth reviewing.
In Athletes: Insights There are many causes of midfoot pain which are worth reviewing. The foot can be divided in to the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot . For the purpose of this review, we will be looking at common etiologies of foot pain stemming from midfoot pathology.
The midfoot consists of the tarsal navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones. Traumatic fractures to the tarsal bones account for only 2% of extremity fractures, but due to their weight bearing status, injury can lead to significant morbidity. The tarsal navicular is found on the medial portion of the foot and is flanked superiorly by the talus and distally by the cuneiform.
The tarsal navicular serves as the attachment site for the posterior tibial tendon and the spring ligament (J. Navicular fractures can be classified as traumatic or secondary to stress fracture. Navicular Stress fractures Navicular stress fractures are the third most common stress fracture.
Patients with stress fractures of the navicular typically complain of a gradual development of pain over weeks to months. The typical mechanism for a traumatic navicular fracture is a crushing and twisting force around the midfoot. Avulsion fractures can also be seen in injuries to the posterior tibial tendon and spring ligament.
The cuboid sits on the lateral side of the midfoot and articulates with the calcaneus. Fractures of the cuboid occur due to crush injuries or falls from raised elevations. These fractures rarely occur in isolation.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to etiologies of midfoot pain, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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