Heel bone fractures and stress fractures
A heel bone fracture is a break or crack in the calcaneus, the bone at the back of your foot, usually caused by high impact. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that builds up from repeated load, such as running. Fiona assesses and diagnoses both in an initial consultation from $100 and refers you for imaging when needed.
What a heel bone fracture is
The heel bone, or calcaneus, is the most commonly fractured bone in the foot. A heel bone fracture usually comes from high impact, such as a fall from a height or a car accident. The injury can range from a crack in the bone to a bone shattered into pieces, depending on the force of the impact. A stress fracture is different: it is a small crack in a bone that develops from overuse rather than a single blow. Stress fractures most often occur in the weight-bearing bones of the foot and lower leg.
Symptoms
A heel bone fracture or stress fracture can cause:
- Pain in the heel or foot
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Heel deformity
- Inability to put weight on the heel when walking
Pain from a stress fracture often builds during activity and eases with rest. Pain that returns during activity and continues after you stop is another common sign.
Causes and risk factors
High impact to the heel causes most calcaneus fractures. Falls from a height and car accidents are common examples. The heavier the impact, the more severe the break can be.
Stress fractures develop differently. Repeated stress from the foot striking the ground causes a small crack over time. High-impact sports such as distance running, basketball, tennis, track and field, gymnastics and dance carry a higher risk. Worn or old running shoes, low bone density and sudden increases in training load add to the risk.
Treatment at the clinic
A suspected fracture needs imaging and medical care, so Fiona begins with an assessment and refers you for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when needed. She checks the circumstances of your injury and asks about other medical problems such as diabetes. She examines the foot for skin damage and checks blood supply and nerve function. An initial consultation is from $100, and a standard consultation is from $90.
Treatment depends on the injury. Fiona can fit custom orthotics from $650 or semi-custom orthotics from $450 to support the foot once the bone has healed. She provides strapping and taping, footwear advice, and stretching and strengthening programs for your recovery. Referral back to your GP happens when the fracture needs casting, surgery or ongoing medical management.
Looking after it at home
Rest from weight bearing is the starting point, and you may need crutches for standing and walking. Follow the instructions you are given about when to place weight on the foot, because loading it too soon can move the bone pieces out of place. Thorough padding of the heel and a special boot or cane may help once walking resumes. A healthful diet with calcium and vitamin D rich foods supports bone strength. Alternate high-impact activities such as jogging with swimming or cycling while you recover. Stop any activity if pain or swelling returns, and rest for a few days.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when heel or foot pain stops you bearing weight, or when pain, bruising or swelling follows an impact injury. Pain that builds with running or walking and eases with rest can still mean a stress fracture, so bring it in rather than pushing through. See a GP or go to hospital urgently after a fall from a height, a car accident, or any injury with obvious deformity, broken skin or numbness. A suspected fracture needs imaging and medical care first, and Fiona can then help with your recovery.
Questions
What is the difference between a heel bone fracture and a stress fracture?
A heel bone fracture is a break in the calcaneus caused by a single high-impact event, such as a fall. A stress fracture is a small crack that builds up from repeated load, most often from high-impact sport. Both need assessment and imaging to confirm.
Can a podiatrist treat a fractured heel?
A suspected fracture first needs imaging and medical care, which may include a cast or surgery arranged through your GP or a specialist. Fiona assesses the injury, refers you for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, and supports your recovery with orthotics, footwear advice and strengthening programs.
How do I know if my heel pain is a stress fracture?
Stress fracture pain typically builds during activity such as running or walking and eases with rest, and the area may swell or bruise. A single painful heel after an impact injury points more to a calcaneus fracture. Fiona can examine the area and refer you for imaging to confirm either one.