A calcaneal fracture, also known as a broken heel bone, is a serious injury that can cause significant pain and disability. It often results from high-energy events like falls from a height or car accidents.
Causes:
- High-impact trauma: Falls from a height, car accidents, and jumping onto hard surfaces are common causes.
- Overuse and stress fractures: Repetitive stress, such as from running, can lead to stress fractures in the calcaneus.
Symptoms:
- Pain: Severe pain in the heel, especially when squeezed or palpated.
- Swelling and bruising:The foot may swell, and bruising (hematoma) can occur, sometimes extending to the sole of the foot.
- Inability to bear weight: Patients may be unable to put weight on the injured foot..
- Limited mobility:Difficulty moving the foot and ankle.
- Limping: May develop due to the pain and inability to bear weight.
Types of Fractures:
- Intra-articular: These fractures involve the subtalar joint and are often more complex.
- Extra-articular: These fractures do not involve the subtalar joint and may be simpler to treat.
- Stress fractures: Small cracks in the bone that develop from repetitive stress.
Treatment:
- Non-surgical:
- Immobilization with a cast or splint.
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling.
- Weight-bearing restrictions.
- Surgical:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may be needed to realign and stabilize the fracture.
Consult your Calcaneus Fracture specialist in Ahmedabad for better outcome.