A broken heel refers to a fracture of the calcaneus, also known as the heel bone. This is a common injury, often resulting from falls or high-impact trauma.
Understanding Calcaneus Fractures
The calcaneus is a crucial bone in the foot, forming part of the ankle and supporting the weight of the body. A fracture to this bone can be significantly debilitating. As noted in the reference material, a calcaneus fracture is a broken heel bone. There are two main types:
- Fractures involving the subtalar joint: These fractures involve the joint formed between the calcaneus and the talus (the bone above it). This type of fracture often results in more severe complications and requires more extensive treatment.
- Fractures not involving the subtalar joint: These fractures are less severe and typically involve less displacement of the bone fragments.
Symptoms of a Broken Heel
Symptoms of a broken heel can include:
- Severe pain in the heel
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Deformity of the heel
- Limited range of motion in the ankle
Treatment for a Broken Heel
Treatment for a broken heel depends on the severity of the fracture. Options may include:
- Immobilization: Using a cast or boot to keep the heel immobile and allow it to heal.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone fragments and stabilize the fracture. This may involve the use of pins, screws, or plates.
- Physical Therapy: Post-treatment rehabilitation with physical therapy helps to restore strength, range of motion, and function.
