CALCANEAL FRACTURES
If you suffer from a Calcaneal Fracture, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What are Calcaneal Fractures?
Calcaneal fractures occur when a strong force breaks the calcaneus, the large bone forming the heel and supporting the back of the foot. The fracture can create a crack, partial break, complete break, or several bone fragments within the heel. Severe fractures can extend into nearby joints, damage surrounding bone surfaces, and change the normal shape of the heel. The break can also cause the heel bone to widen, shorten, or collapse, which can affect foot movement, stability, and weight-bearing ability.
Causes of Calcaneal Fractures
Calcaneal fractures commonly occur when a strong force strikes the heel bone, often from falling from a height, jumping and landing hard, or experiencing a motor-vehicle accident. Sports injuries, workplace accidents, and direct blows to the heel can also cause fractures. Weakened bones from conditions such as osteoporosis can increase fracture risk, while repeated stress from high-impact activities can cause stress fractures in the calcaneus.
Symptoms of Calcaneal Fractures
Calcaneal fractures commonly cause severe heel pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the injured area. Patients may experience difficulty standing or walking and often cannot place weight on the affected foot without significant pain. The heel may appear wider, shorter, or misshapen after a severe fracture, while movement of the foot and ankle can cause increased pain. Severe fractures can also cause numbness, tingling, or reduced movement around the heel and foot.
Risks of Calcaneal Fractures
Calcaneal fractures can cause several risks, especially when severe injuries damage nearby joints, nerves, or soft tissues. Patients may develop chronic heel pain, stiffness, reduced foot movement, difficulty walking, and problems bearing weight. Severe fractures can also increase the risk of arthritis in the subtalar joint, changes in heel shape, nerve irritation, wound complications after surgery, and long-term weakness. Delayed or improper healing can further affect balance, mobility, and the ability to perform normal daily activities.
Treatment Options for Calcaneal Fractures
Mild Calcaneal Fractures:
Specialists may treat mild calcaneal fractures with rest, limited weight-bearing, ice, elevation, and pain medication to reduce pain and swelling. A cast, splint, or walking boot can protect the heel and keep the bone stable while healing occurs. Patients may gradually increase weight-bearing as the bone heals, followed by physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and normal movement.
Severe Calcaneal Fractures:
Specialists may treat severe calcaneal fractures with surgery when the bone fragments shift, the heel loses its normal shape, or the fracture extends into a nearby joint. Surgeons can realign the bone fragments and secure them with plates, screws, or other fixation devices. After surgery, patients generally require a period of restricted weight-bearing followed by physical therapy to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and support a return to normal activities.
If you would like to speak to a Texas Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us online. Telemedicine appointments are also available.
