Did I Break My Heel Bone?

The heel bone, also known as your calcaneus, can break just like any other bone in the body. However, a calcaneus fracture is often severe, painful, and debilitating. More often than not, treating this type of fracture requires surgery.  

Here’s what you need to know about heel fractures and why it's essential to treat this condition promptly.

Symptoms of a Broken Heel Bone

A person can break their heel bone in the subtalar joint or around it. The subtalar joint is formed by the calcaneus and the talus bones and allows the hindfoot to move from side to side. The calcaneus can be fractured in a way that does not involve the joint, but heel fractures in the subtalar joint are the most severe.

Broken heel bones are uncommon, only accounting for two percent of adult fractures. When they do occur, it is usually a result of high-energy trauma such as:

• Falling from a height 

• Car accident

• Twisting the ankle 

Calcaneus fractures caused by ankle-twisting are typically less severe than those caused by falling or forceful impact. These usually affect the edges of the calcaneus and result in small chips or broken fragments to the bone. 

Most people with broken heels often experience the following symptoms:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Deformity

• Inability to bear weight

If the calcaneus is merely chipped or fragmented around the edges, the patient may be able to limp. This is because the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the calcaneus, is working to support their body weight. 

Treatment for a Calcaneus Fracture 

A heel fracture can often heal independently but may mend together improperly. If this condition is not promptly diagnosed and treated by an orthopaedic foot specialist, the bones in the joint could become misaligned. Treatment becomes more difficult the longer it is delayed. 

At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Elton will diagnose your heel pain through conversation, examination, and imagining tests. Dr. Elton will then recommend a treatment plan based on the following:

• Overall health

• The severity of your injury

• The extent of damage to the nearby soft tissue

• Lifestyle and activity level

Conservative treatment is possible if the fractured bones are still aligned. In those instances, Dr. Elton will typically recommend the foot be immobilized by casting, splinting, or bracing. Immobilization holds the heel's bones in the proper position to heal correctly. Patients are often required to wear their cast for six to eight weeks and sometimes longer. 

If the subtalar joint is damaged, surgery is usually required to repair the damage and prevent further orthopedic trauma. Dr. Elton will discuss all treatment options and work with you to design the proper recovery plan for your unique lifestyle.

Whether or not surgery is needed, a broken heel bone takes anywhere from three to six months to heal. Recovery will include:

• Pain management

• Immobilization

• Crutches to keep weight off the foot

• Physical therapy

Complications can and do occur with calcaneus fractures. It’s essential to communicate with your orthopaedic physician about your injury, outcome goals, and postoperative symptoms. 

Heel Fracture? Contact Team Elton Today!

A heel fracture is a serious injury that requires top-level care. Dr. Elton is a world-renowned orthopaedic physician specializing in foot and ankle injuries. He and his team are known throughout Colorado (and beyond) for their compassion, expertise, and skill.

Let’s get you back on your feet! If you are experiencing the symptoms of a broken heel or would like the explore treatment options for your diagnoses, contact Team Elton! Schedule your appointment by calling (970) 476-7220 or via our contact page.