Calcaneus Fracture is one of the most common fractures of tarsal bone occurring due to a high-energy collision. Calcaneus or heel bone connects the talus and cuboid bones. This connection forms the subtalar joint, which is crucial for normal foot functions such as walking, standing and running. Any trauma or injury can cause severe Calcaneal Fracture. If the fracture involves the joints, it can bring many long-term consequences such as chronic pain and Arthritis.
In up to 10% of cases, the patient can also sustain a fracture of the spine, hip or the other calcaneus. Injuries to the calcaneus often damage the subtalar joint and cause the joint to become stiff. This makes it difficult to walk on uneven ground or slanted surfaces.
Causes
- Falling from a height
- Automobile accidents
- Twisting injury
- Any injuries including ankle sprain
- Stress fractures due to repetitive stress or overuse
Heel fractures commonly result from great force or high-energy collision such as a car wreck or steep fall for example, and thus are often accompanied by other skeletal injuries such as knee and spine injuries.
The calcaneus can be injured in a fall, twisting injury or motor vehicle collision. A simple twisting injury may result in the calcaneus being cracked. The force of a head-on car collision may result in the bone being shattered (comminuted fracture). Different causes can result in similar fracture patterns. For example, when landing on your feet from a fall, your body’s weight is directed downward. It drives the talus bone down into the calcaneus. In a motor vehicle crash, the calcaneus is driven up against the talus. In both cases, the resulting fracture patterns are similar. The greater the impact, the more the calcaneus is damaged.
Symptoms
- Sharp, intense pain at the time of injury
- Inability to place weight on the heel
- Limp
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness
- Numbness in foot, ankle or toes
- Heel deformity
In some minor calcaneus fractures, the pain is not enough to stop you from walking, but you may limp. This is because when you walk, the Achilles tendon acts through the calcaneus to support your body weight. If the calcaneus is deformed following an injury, the muscle and tendon cannot generate enough power to support your weight. Your foot and ankle will feel unstable, and you will walk differently.
Diagnosis
An orthopedic doctor may diagnose the fracture by thoroughly examining the heel to see if any nerves are damaged or the blood supply is interrupted. The physician may ask you about the circumstances of your injury and discuss your medical history and the symptoms. He may recommend X-ray, MRI or CT scan to assess the severity of the fracture and decide the line of treatment.
Treatment
Depending upon the severity of the injury, the physician may recommend non-surgical or surgical treatment.
Non-surgical treatment
To allow the fracture to heal, you may be recommended to take rest and avoid putting weight on the injured heel. You can use ice to reduce swelling and pain. You may also get relief by wrapping the foot in an elastic bandage or wearing compression stockings. By keeping the feet elevated, you can reduce swelling. You may also be required to keep the feet immobilized by using a cast or using crutches.
Surgical treatment
In the case of traumatic fractures, you may need surgery to reconstruct or fuse the joint. The broken bone is moved to its place and fixed with screws to promote healing. Post-surgery you will need to undergo a rehabilitation program under the supervision of a physiotherapist. He will devise a plan including stretching and strengthening exercises, for you to gain strength and restore function.
Calcaneal Fractures can lead to pain in the joints, stiffness, arthritis and long-term consequences such as a limp, decreased ankle motion and loss of length in the leg. In case of these complications, you may require additional surgeries or use of braces or other devices to manage them.
The orthopedic doctors at OrthoTexas provide complete treatment for Calcaneal Fracture and other foot injuries.
Your path to recovery starts here. Schedule an appointment with OrthoTexas or find a location near you.