Broken Heel Bone?



As with any other bone in your body, your heel bone, also known as your calcaneus, can break. However, calcaneus fractures can be painful and debilitating. They are usually treated with surgery.

This article explains the importance of treating heel fractures promptly and what you need to know about heel fractures.

Broken Heel Bone Symptoms

It is possible to break a heel bone in the subtalar joint or around it. As a result of the subtalar joint, the hindfoot can move from side to side. Despite the fact that the calcaneus can fracture without involving the joint, heel fractures in the subtalar joint are the most severe.

Among all adult fractures, only 2% involve broken heel bones. They usually occur as a result of high-energy trauma such as:

  • Getting hurt after falling from a height
  • Car accident
  • Twisting the ankle


Ankle-twisting causes calcaneus fractures that are generally not as severe as those caused by falling or forceful impact. Small chips or broken fragments of the bone are often found along the edges of the calcaneus. 

Broken heels are often accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Deformity
  • Inability to bear weight

The patient may be able to limp if the calcaneus is simply chipped or fragmented around the edges. As a result, the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the calcaneus, is working to support their body weight.

An unhealed heel fracture may not mend together properly but typically heals on its own. In order to prevent misalignment of the bones in the joint, a podiatrist should promptly diagnose and treat this condition. Delaying treatment makes the condition more difficult to treat.

Fractures of the calcaneus can and do cause complications. Discuss your injury, outcomes goals, and postoperative symptoms with your orthopaedic physician.

Is your heel fractured? We can help!

Heel fractures are serious injuries that require top-notch treatment. Call us today! Get in touch with All-in-One Foot Care Center if you are experiencing symptoms of a broken heel or would like to find out about treatment options! Call 949-588-8833 or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/ to schedule an appointment. Call 949-588-8833 or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/ to schedule an appointment.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/


Friday, April 29, 2022