How do you treat a heel bone injury?

How do you treat a heel bone injury?

Calcaneal Fracture Treatment

1. Non-weight bearing status for up to 10-12 weeks.
2. Immobilization in a cast, fracture boot or splint for 8-10 weeks.
3. Elevation of the foot. When resting, prop your foot up on stools or pillows to keep it above your heart.
4. Icing.
5. Compression.
6. Pain medication.
7. Physical therapy exercises.

How long does it take to recover from a calcaneus fracture?

General Treatment The broken bone will take 3-4 months to heal with or without surgery. If surgery is not needed, there will still be a time where movement and weight bearing is limited. Calcaneus fractures that benefit from surgery often involve breaks within the subtalar joint (the joint just below your ankle joint).

Can you chip your heel bone?

Low-energy injuries such as twisting the ankle can cause smaller chips or bone fragments to break off from the edges of the calcaneus. These are called avulsion fractures. These do not usually involve the joint surfaces.

Can a heel fracture heal on its own?

“A heel fracture will heal on its own,” admits Dr. Anderson. “However, without medical treatment, the concern is whether these fractures will heal in the best position to minimize a potentially poor outcome. At worst, a heel fracture mends improperly.

Is heel surgery painful?

Heel spur surgery is successful for some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. While some people begin to see an improvement in pain and discomfort in about a week after surgery, others continue to have persistent pain following their procedure. Even when surgery is successful, a heel spur can return.

Do all heel fractures require surgery?

Not all heel fractures require surgery. Surgery may not be needed if the shape of the heel is generally in tact. Patients with diabetes may be at increased risk for infection or wound healing problems. Patients with poor blood flow may also have difficulty healing properly.

How long does it take to walk after a calcaneal fracture?

Some patients can begin weight-bearing activities a few weeks after injury or surgery; others may need to wait 3 months or more before putting weight on the heel. Most patients are able to begin partial weight bearing between 6 and 10 weeks after injury or surgery.

Can you walk on a broken heel?

It depends on the severity of the injury. Some patients can begin weight-bearing activities a few weeks after injury or surgery; some patients may need to wait 3 or more months before putting any kind of weight on the heel. Our trauma specialists will help determine the best plan for your fracture.

When should I see an orthopedic for foot pain?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.

What causes calcaneal fractures of the heel bone?

A smaller number of calcaneal fractures are stress fractures, caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the heel bone. Fractures of the calcaneus may or may not involve the subtalar and surrounding joints.

Why does my heel bone keep breaking?

These can lead to tendinitis, bursitis, and fasciitis, which are all types of inflammation of the tissues that surround your heel. Over time the stress can cause bone spurs and deformities. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also lead to heel problems.

Why does my heel hurt so bad?

Summary. Heel problems are common and can be painful. Often, they result from too much stress on your heel bone and the tissues that surround it. These can lead to tendinitis, bursitis, and fasciitis, which are all types of inflammation of the tissues that surround your heel. Over time the stress can cause bone spurs and deformities.

What are the long-term effects of a heel fracture?

A fracture may cause the heel bone to widen and shorten. In some cases, a fracture may also enter the subtalar joint in the foot. When this occurs, damage to the articular cartilage covering the joint may cause long-term complications such as chronic pain, arthritis, and loss of motion.