In this edition of our Foot Health FAQ series, we’ll be discussing a common injury known as a calcaneal stress fracture.
This condition affects the heel bone (calcaneus) and is typically caused by overuse or repetitive impact.
While it might seem like a minor injury at first, if left untreated, it can develop into a more serious problem, leading to chronic heel pain and mobility issues.
What Is a Calcaneal Stress Fracture?
A calcaneal stress fracture occurs when small cracks develop in the heel bone due to repetitive strain, typically from high-impact activities like running, jumping, or long-distance walking.
These fractures are a type of stress fracture, which is different from a traumatic fracture of the calcaneus that results from an acute injury. Heel stress fractures are common in athletes or individuals who engage in intense weight-bearing activities.
The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot, and it absorbs a significant amount of body weight with each step. When excessive or repeated stress is placed on this bone without enough time for recovery, small fractures can develop. Risk factors for developing a calcaneal stress fracture include overtraining, improper footwear, or underlying bone density issues.
Symptoms of a Calcaneal Stress Fracture
The most common calcaneal stress fracture symptoms include:
Persistent heel pain that worsens with activity, especially during weight-bearing activities like walking or running.
Tenderness or swelling around the heel bone.
Difficulty putting weight on the foot or walking.
Pain that improves with rest but returns when engaging in physical activity.
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other heel pain conditions like plantar fasciitis, but a stress fracture typically causes more localised pain in the heel bone itself.
Diagnosis and Treatment of a Calcaneal Stress Fracture
To diagnose a calcaneal stress fracture, a podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests like an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the injury. A bone scan may also be used to detect early-stage fractures that are too small to be seen on an X-ray.
Calcaneal stress fracture treatment typically involves:
Resting the affected foot and avoiding weight-bearing activities to allow the fracture site to heal.
Using crutches to limit pressure on the heel bone during recovery.
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve foot function.
For more severe cases, particularly if the fracture line extends across the calcaneus, surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the bone.
Can You Prevent a Calcaneal Stress Fracture?
Preventing a calcaneal stress fracture involves taking steps to reduce excessive strain on the heel bone. Here are a few tips:
Wear appropriate footwear with adequate arch support and cushioning, especially during high-impact activities.
Gradually increase the intensity of your physical activities to avoid overuse injuries.
Strengthen the muscles around your foot and ankle to provide better support during weight-bearing exercises.
Use shoe inserts or orthotics if you have foot conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis, which can put extra stress on the heel bone.
Wear appropriate footwear with adequate arch support and cushioning, especially during high-impact activities.
Gradually increase the intensity of your physical activities to avoid overuse injuries.
Strengthen the muscles around your foot and ankle to provide better support during weight-bearing exercises.
Use shoe inserts or orthotics if you have foot conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis, which can put extra stress on the heel bone.
How Hurst Podiatry Can Help
At Hurst Podiatry, we specialise in diagnosing and treating calcaneal stress fractures. If you’re experiencing persistent heel pain or suspect you may have a stress fracture, our expert team can help you find the right treatment plan, from rest and rehabilitation to physical therapy or orthotics. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
