Commonly referred to as the heel bone, the calcaneus is the bone in the heel of the foot.
This bone helps support the foot and is important in normal walking motions.
Calcaneus fractures are almost always the result of severe, high-energy injuries.
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They typically occur as a result of a fall from a height, such as from a ladder.
Other causes of a calcaneus fracture include automobile crashes and sports injuries.
Signs of a Calcaneus Fracture
Calcaneus fractures cause swelling and pain in the back of the foot.
An open fracture of the calcaneus is an emergency that requires urgent surgery.
If the calcaneus fracture is not out of position, noninvasive treatment will be recommended.
Patients who are smokers also have a very high risk of complications related to surgery for a calcaneus fracture.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate treatment based on the specific characteristics of your fracture.
Stress fractures of the calcaneus can be treated with noninvasive treatment.
After that, a gradual return to activity will be started based on pain level.
Most people return to normal activity after 12 weeks.
Early complications of calcaneus fractures are most often due to the significant swelling that can occur with these injuries.
Late complications from a calcaneus fracture are most often chronic foot pain and arthritis.
Arthritis of the hindfoot (at the subtalar joint) is common after a patient sustains a calcaneus fracture.
Patients will be required to keep weight off of the foot for as long as three months.
The other critically important aspect of treatment is controlling swelling, both before an after surgery.
The best ways to control swelling include elevation, immobilization, and ice tool.
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