Heel Fractures Can Undermine Your Footing

Heel fractures, although uncommon, do happen. When they do occur, the heel bone breaks. This is usually due to severe impacts like falling from a significant height or any other sudden force applied to the heel.

The pain felt by a heel fracture is suffered at the middle of the outer portion of your ankle or on the bottom of your heel. If you attempt to place weight on the injured foot, it will trigger significant pain in response.

Heel bone fractures generally happen in the young adult population and can cause pain for weeks after it occurs (or longer if not treated). This injury is serious as it can limit physical interests, delay routine activities and may require different footwear to manage the change in your foot structure.

TREATMENT FOR HEEL FRACTURES:           

Try to elevate your foot to reduce swelling.

Wrap your heel bone to keep it isolated and secure.

Ice can be of great assistance with combating swelling.

Recovery time could take up to two months.

Surgical procedures may be required if your heel bone has moved out of place. The use of surgical materials such as plates or screws may be needed to fasten the bones into a stable position to allow for complete healing.

Special boots may be of use to speed up recovery.

Orthotics and braces are also of great use after surgical intervention for the promotion of correct healing.          

Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.