WHAT ARE CALCANEAL FRACTURES
The calcaneum is the largest bone in the foot.
It is where the achilles attaches and it is the bone that forms the heel. A fracture is a break in the bone. Calcaneal fractures can range from minor breaks to lifechanging injuries into the joint below the ankle requiring surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. The main long term difficulties after a calcaneal fracture include ongoing pain, abnormal foot and heel shape making walking and shoe wear difficult, and arthritis of the subtalar joint (the joint below the ankle joint)
SYMPTOMS OF A CALCANEAL FRACTURE
Calcaneal fractures typically present with the following symptoms after an injury/fall:
- Pain and swelling over the heel bone
- Difficulty walking and taking weight through the foot
- Corns or calluses developing where the toes rub together or overlapping
DIAGNOSIS OF A CALCANEAL FRACTURE
Calcaneal fracture usually occur after an injury. Other injuries may need to be identified and treated. Diagnosis of the calcaneal fracture typically involves clinical examination of the foot, and and xray and CT scan.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF CALCANEAL FRACTURES
Management of calcaneal fractures can vary from non operative measures to emergency surgery.
Non operative measures include:
- Rest
- Elevation
- Compression with a tubigrip or bandage
- Ice
- Camboot
- Pain relief
- Blood thinners to prevent DVT
Severe fractures often require surgery to improve the shape of the calcaneum and improve the joint (see Calcaneal Fracture Surgery (ORIF)). Even after surgery, arthritis may develop in the subtalar joint, and the foot may always feel different compared with prior to the injury. The surgery aims to align the foot shape, allow for easier shoe wear and slow progression of arthritis.
CONTACT
If you want more information, or have any questions or problems, please contact Dr Graff on admin@christygraff.com or please call the rooms on 0493 461 133.
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