A calcaneal fracture (often referred to as a heel bone fracture) is one of the most serious types of foot and ankle injuries. When this large bone breaks, it can cause significant pain, swelling, and long-term mobility issues.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our experienced trauma specialists are dedicated to helping patients heal from fractures of the calcaneus and other severe injuries. If you’re experiencing heel pain or suspect a fracture, our team in Zanesville, OH, can provide an accurate diagnosis and advanced care to restore your mobility. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
The calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot and plays a vital role in supporting weight and enabling walking. It forms the foundation of the heel and connects to the subtalar joint, allowing for side-to-side motion. When a fracture involves the calcaneus, it disrupts the alignment of the joint surfaces and can lead to uneven surfaces in the bone, causing long-term discomfort and instability.
A calcaneal fracture typically occurs from high-impact injuries, such as falling from a height or a motor vehicle accident. These are often intra-articular fractures, meaning the break extends into the subtalar joint. Some are extra-articular fractures, which don’t involve the joint but still cause significant pain and swelling. Others, known as avulsion fractures, occur when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament.
To learn more about advanced trauma care for these and other complex fractures, visit our trauma specialty page.
Symptoms of a fractured calcaneus can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs include:
In some cases, particularly with calcaneal stress fractures, symptoms may develop gradually, presenting as mild pain that worsens with activity. Severe fractures, however, often cause immediate pain and inability to walk.
Most calcaneal fractures result from high-energy trauma, such as:
Certain individuals are at higher risk for developing stress fractures or heel fracture injuries, including:
Additionally, people with a history of tibial plateau fractures or other broken bone injuries may be more susceptible to calcaneal stress fractures due to altered walking mechanics.
Accurate diagnosis is essential because most calcaneal fractures require careful treatment planning. Physicians begin with a physical examination to assess tenderness, swelling, and deformity. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, are then ordered to confirm the fracture.
For intra-articular or more severe fractures, a CT scan is often used to get a detailed view of the bone fragments and the extent to which the joint surfaces are involved. In some cases, an MRI may help detect smaller stress fractures that are not visible on X-rays.
Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term complications like arthritis in the subtalar joint, making prompt medical attention critical.
Treatment for calcaneal fractures depends on the type and severity of the break. Minor or extra-articular fractures may be managed non-surgically, while intra-articular fractures or severe injuries may require surgical treatment.
Non-surgical treatment options include:
Surgical treatment is typically recommended when the fracture involves displaced bone fragments or misalignment of the joint surfaces. The goal of surgery is to realign the broken heel, restore the shape of the bone, and stabilize it with screws or plates.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are experienced in treating more severe fractures using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, allowing for faster recovery and reduced complications.
Recovery from a calcaneus fracture can take several months, depending on the injury’s severity and treatment approach. In general, you can expect the following timelines:
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. It helps restore mobility, strengthen the foot and ankle, and improve balance. Following the orthopedic specialist’s recommendations for putting weight on the injured foot is essential to prevent re-injury or chronic pain.
Patients should also monitor for complications such as persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness in the subtalar joint, which may indicate post-traumatic arthritis.
The outlook for calcaneal fractures largely depends on the type of break and how well it heals. Extra-articular fractures often have an excellent prognosis, while intra-articular fractures that involve the joint surfaces may lead to long-term stiffness or discomfort.
However, with timely diagnosis, expert treatment, and adherence to a rehabilitation plan, many patients recover well and return to their normal activities. At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our team works closely with each patient to ensure optimal recovery and lasting results.
If you suspect a broken heel or are dealing with chronic heel pain after an injury, don’t wait to seek care. A calcaneus fracture can have lasting effects if not properly treated. Our specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville offer comprehensive evaluation and both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for calcaneal fractures and other complex foot and ankle injuries.
Our trauma-focused orthopedic team proudly serves patients in the Zanesville area with compassionate, expert care designed to get you back on your feet. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your recovery journey.
Medically reviewed by Joshua Burka, DO
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