Stress Fracture of the Talus
The Talus bone is the bone at the top of the ankle which the tibia or shin bone sits on. Stress fractures of the talus are sometimes seen in footballers and track and field athletes.
Symptoms of Talar Stress Fractures
- Ankle pain whith a gradual onset pain on the outside of the ankle.
- Pain is worse during running.
- Tenderness and possible swelling over the sinus tarsi (a small canal where nerves pass).
- Bone scans and CT scans can confirm the diagnosis.
What is a Stress Fracture of the Talus?
The talus is more susceptible to developing a stress fracture when the ankle is repeatedly overpronated and plantar flexed (or rolling on / flattening at the same time as pointing the foot downwards). This movement is seen in Pole Vaulters who plant the pole too late making the foot too far forward at take off.
Treatment of Talar stress fracture
- Treatment usually involves six weeks rest in a plaster cast.
- Surgery to remove the lateral process of the talus bone is sometimes done which can speed up the healing and rehabilitation process.
- A full and gradual rehabilitation programme to strengthen up the ankle.
- Biomechanical correction of any over pronation with orthotic inserts is done if required.
