The calcaneus, or heel bone, represents only 1 to 2 percent of all fractures but a heel fracture can have serious consequences if not treated properly.
The calcaneus, located at the rear of the foot alongside the talus, bears much of the body’s weight and is positioned closest to the ground, making it vulnerable to impact injuries.
Heel fractures are rare and difficult to diagnose but crucial to detect early to prevent serious complications such as osteoarthritis.
Heel fracture symptoms and complications
Symptoms of a heel fracture may resemble other fractures and include increased tenderness, severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, and the presence of a hematoma.
Because a large force is needed to cause a heel fracture, it may be accompanied by injuries to the knee or spine.
The heel bone’s proximity to complex foot joints can cause complications like cartilage breakdown, joint immobility, impaired blood flow, and compartment syndrome.
If untreated, heel fractures may lead to long-term joint issues such as arthritis and severe tissue damage due to restricted blood circulation.
Causes and risk factors
Heel fractures often result from significant impacts, with falls being the most common cause. Other causes include road accidents and repetitive sports activity causing stress fractures.
Diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis also increase the risk of heel fractures.
Preventing a heel fracture
While avoiding all causes of heel fractures is difficult, prevention methods include maintaining healthy weight, a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet, gradually increasing physical activity, proper warming up and stretching (see stretching advice), and wearing appropriate shoes (shoe tips).
Consulting a podiatrist is recommended if foot abnormalities like flat or hollow feet are present.
If a heel fracture is suspected after a collision, avoid putting weight on the foot, apply cold to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention promptly.
Healing from a heel fracture
Treatment of heel fractures requires accurate diagnosis, often including digital X-rays and consultation with a podiatrist or healthcare professional.
For fractures not affecting joints, non-surgical treatments like immobilization with a splint or cast, followed by physical therapy and the use of custom orthotics, can promote healing.
Severe fractures involving bone displacement or joint damage may require hospital-based orthopedic surgery, with recovery potentially taking months and necessitating protective boots and walking aids.
Because heel fractures can significantly impact quality of life, early consultation with a podiatrist is essential.
PiedReseau – Learn more
For further information on foot fractures, explore PiedReseau’s resources. However, nothing replaces a professional evaluation by a podiatrist.
Take care of your feet, they’re precious!