06 Feb Heel Bone Fractures
A fracture of the heel bone (calcaneus) is most often caused by high impact to the heel. For example, when a person has fallen from a height or been in a car accident. Injuries can range from a small bone crack to a shattered bone, requiring surgery. Heel pain, bruising, swelling, limping, or difficulty walking are the main symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a calcaneus fracture are:
Pain
Bruising
Swelling
Heel deformity
Inability to put weight on the heel or walk
It is important that your Podiatrist knows the circumstances of your injury. It is just as important for your Podiatrist to know if you have any other injuries or medical problems, such as diabetes. After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your Podiatrist will do a careful examination. They will look for other injuries and for areas where the skin is damaged or punctured. Your Podiatrist will check to see if there is a good blood supply to your foot and if the nerves to your foot are working properly.
Calcaneus fracture treatment may include:
Rest from weight bearing, often with crutches
Thorough padding of the heel
Aircast, immobilisation boot
Pain relievers
Surgery
Physiotherapy
Specific exercises can improve the range of motion in your foot and ankle, and strengthen the supporting muscles
.
Rehabilitation
Whether you have surgery or not, your rehabilitation will be very similar. How long it takes to return to daily activities depends on the severity of the injury. Some patients can begin weight-bearing activities a few weeks after injury or surgery; some patients may need to wait 3 or more months before putting any kind of weight on the heel.
Early motion. Many Podiatrists encourage motion of the foot and ankle early in the recovery period. For example, some patients are instructed to begin moving the affected area as soon as their pain allows. Patients who have had surgery are instructed to begin moving the affected area as soon as the wound heals to the podiatrist’s satisfaction.
Weight-bearing. When you begin walking, you may need to wear a special boot. It is very important to follow your podiatrist’s instructions for walking on your foot. If you place weight on your foot too soon, the bone pieces may move out of place and you might require surgery. If you have had surgery, the screws might loosen or break and the bone may collapse.
These fractures can be potentially very debilitating, Podiatrists have a strong knowledge of the anatomy of the calcaneus, which is paramount to understanding the fracture patterns one may see with this injury.
So….. be careful when jumping off the back of a ute! Have a beautiful day.
The most common symptoms of a calcaneus fracture are:
Pain
Bruising
Swelling
Heel deformity
Inability to put weight on the heel or walk
It is important that your Podiatrist knows the circumstances of your injury. It is just as important for your Podiatrist to know if you have any other injuries or medical problems, such as diabetes. After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your Podiatrist will do a careful examination. They will look for other injuries and for areas where the skin is damaged or punctured. Your Podiatrist will check to see if there is a good blood supply to your foot and if the nerves to your foot are working properly.
Calcaneus fracture treatment may include:
Rest from weight bearing, often with crutches
Thorough padding of the heel
Aircast, immobilisation boot
Pain relievers
Surgery
Physiotherapy
Specific exercises can improve the range of motion in your foot and ankle, and strengthen the supporting muscles
.
Rehabilitation
Whether you have surgery or not, your rehabilitation will be very similar. How long it takes to return to daily activities depends on the severity of the injury. Some patients can begin weight-bearing activities a few weeks after injury or surgery; some patients may need to wait 3 or more months before putting any kind of weight on the heel.
Early motion. Many Podiatrists encourage motion of the foot and ankle early in the recovery period. For example, some patients are instructed to begin moving the affected area as soon as their pain allows. Patients who have had surgery are instructed to begin moving the affected area as soon as the wound heals to the podiatrist’s satisfaction.
Weight-bearing. When you begin walking, you may need to wear a special boot. It is very important to follow your podiatrist’s instructions for walking on your foot. If you place weight on your foot too soon, the bone pieces may move out of place and you might require surgery. If you have had surgery, the screws might loosen or break and the bone may collapse.
These fractures can be potentially very debilitating, Podiatrists have a strong knowledge of the anatomy of the calcaneus, which is paramount to understanding the fracture patterns one may see with this injury.
So….. be careful when jumping off the back of a ute! Have a beautiful day.
