It's generally not recommended to walk with a broken heel (calcaneus) unless it's a very minor hairline fracture.
Understanding Calcaneal Fractures
A calcaneal fracture, or broken heel, can range in severity. The ability to walk depends heavily on the type and extent of the break.
- Hairline Fracture: A small crack in the bone might allow for limited weight-bearing, but it's still best to avoid walking if possible and consult with a doctor.
- Displaced Fracture: If the broken bone fragments have shifted out of alignment, walking is almost certainly impossible and will cause significant pain and further damage. Surgery is often required to realign the bones.
- Comminuted Fracture: This involves the bone breaking into multiple pieces. Walking is impossible in this scenario and requires immediate medical attention and likely surgery.
Why Walking is Discouraged with a Broken Heel
Walking on a broken heel can lead to:
- Increased Pain: Putting weight on the injured bone will undoubtedly cause significant pain.
- Further Damage: Walking can worsen the fracture, displacing bone fragments further or causing additional breaks.
- Delayed Healing: Continued stress on the fracture site will impede the healing process.
- Long-term Complications: Improper healing can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and difficulty walking in the future.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for a broken heel typically involves:
- Immobilization: Using a cast, splint, or boot to prevent movement.
- Non-Weight Bearing: Avoiding putting any weight on the injured foot, often requiring the use of crutches or a wheelchair. This can last 4-6 weeks, or longer depending on the severity.
- Surgery: In many cases, surgery is necessary to realign the broken bones and stabilize them with plates and screws.
- Physical Therapy: After the initial healing phase, physical therapy is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the foot and ankle.
When Can You Start Walking?
Your doctor will determine when it's safe to begin weight-bearing based on X-rays and your progress. This usually happens gradually, starting with partial weight-bearing and progressing to full weight-bearing as the bone heals.
In conclusion, while a very minor hairline fracture might allow limited walking, it is strongly discouraged to walk with a broken heel. Always consult with a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment to avoid further complications and ensure proper healing.
