Calcaneal fractures, commonly called heel fractures, can occur with overuse or from a distinct and acute injury. An overuse fracture is referred to as stress fracture and is discussed more fully in ”Stress Fractures“.
Heel fractures show immediately on x-ray and the person injured will be able to tell you exactly when it happened. It usually involves significant trauma, such as a fall, and it is disabling at the time of injury. With stress fractures, although there is pain, there is usually not a distinct time when the injury occurred and disability occurs gradually.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Stress fracture
- Bruised heel
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling in the heel, made worse by weight bearing
- If stress fracture, the pain comes on gradually
- If regular fracture, the pain and injury occurs simultaneously
Signs to look for:
- Swelling and pain at calcaneal bone
- Pain is reproduced by squeezing the back of the heel from both sides
- X-ray evidence
Possible Causes:
- Specific trauma to heel
Goals:
- Take pressure off the heel until the fracture heels
- Support the arch and heel structures
- Regain flexibility and elasticity in the foot
- Move the foot forward with as little lateral movement as possible
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Avoid going barefoot or do so on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Place rubber heel lift in both shoes until fracture heels, then gradually remove them as healing progresses
- Compression hosiery products to control swelling and increase blood flow
Activities:
- Medical treatment as necessary
- Avoid weight bearing until fracture heals
- Avoid high impact recreational activities until symptoms recede and then only resume if wearing arch support and right kind of shoes
- Regular stretching program of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structures
- Rotate high impact exercising with low impact exercising, such as jogging or basketball (high impact) with swimming or bicycling (low impact)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: I. Alexander, The Foot: Exam & Diagnosis Text: I. Alexander, The Foot: Exam & Diagnosis, SportsInjuryClinic.net