What are heel fractures?
Heel fractures, also called calcaneus fractures, are injuries to the heel bone in the back of your foot. The bone may have a small break, or it may be completely broken into multiple pieces. Your heel bone is unique in that it includes a hard “shell” on the outside and a spongy part inside. If you break the outer part, the inside can easily be crushed.
There are two types of heel fractures:
Traumatic fractures
Traumatic fractures happen suddenly and involve severe pain. You might get a traumatic heel fracture during a car accident or after falling from a position of height and landing on your foot.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures aren’t as common or severe as traumatic fractures. They’re harder to detect because they develop over time as you put pressure on your heel.
What are the symptoms of a heel fracture?
The signs and symptoms can differ depending on the type of heel fracture. If you have a traumatic heel fracture, your symptoms may include:
- Pain in your heel
- Inability to stand on the injured foot
- Bruising around your heel and ankle
- Swelling
The symptoms of stress fractures aren’t as severe and sudden in their onset. If you have a stress heel fracture, your symptoms may include:
- Slow development of heel pain
- Swelling
- Mild bruising
Additionally, the pain of a stress heel fracture may fluctuate throughout the day. If you have a traumatic heel fracture, the injury is much more obvious and urgent.
How are heel fractures treated?
At the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration, the team evaluates your ankle from the outside and asks about your pain and mobility. They may also order an X-ray or other imaging to see your heel bone.
After evaluating the injury, the team chooses the best course of treatment. If the fracture is small, rest, ice, heat, and other home care may be sufficient. If the fracture is more severe, your treatment may include:
- Immobilization with a cast or walking boot
- Crutches
- Wheelchair
- Fracture fixation surgery
Your provider explains the procedures and devices that you need and how they can help heal your heel fracture or reconstruct the bone.
If you fracture your heel in an accident or for any other reason, call the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration for expert evaluation and treatment today.
