Calcaneal Fractures

Calcaneal fractures can occur due to various causes, including:

• Direct Trauma: Strong impacts, such as those resulting from falls from height, traffic accidents, or sports injuries, are common causes of calcaneal fractures.
• Falls from Height: Jumps or falls from great heights can result in direct impact on the calcaneus, leading to fractures.
• Work Accidents: In some work environments, especially those involving movement at heights, the risk of calcaneal fractures may be increased.
• Stress Injuries: Although less common, repetitive and prolonged movements on the calcaneus can also contribute to stress fractures.

Symptoms of calcaneal fractures may include:

• Intense Pain: Localized pain in the heel and lower part of the foot, which can be sudden and severe, usually worsened when trying to move or bear weight on the foot.
• Swelling/Edema: Increased volume and fluid accumulation around the heel and foot, often extending to the lower leg region.
• Bruising: Formation of a purple or dark-colored bruising in the fracture area.
• Movement Difficulty: Significant reduction in the ability to move the foot or bear weight on the affected leg.
• Visible Deformity: In severe cases, there may be a visible deformity or misalignment of bones around the heel, as well as bone exposure.

To diagnose calcaneal fractures, doctors use:

• Physical Examination: Assessment of pain, swelling, deformity, and foot and ankle movement capability. The doctor may perform tests to evaluate joint stability and injury extent.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays are the main tool to identify fractures and assess severity. In complex cases, computed tomography (CT) may be used to obtain a more detailed view of bone structure and fragments. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be useful to examine soft tissues and check for additional injuries.

Treatment of calcaneal fractures can vary depending on fracture severity and patient's general conditions:

• Conservative Treatment: Aligned or less severe fractures may be treated with immobilization using cast or splint, rest, and elevation to reduce swelling. Use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can help control pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: After cast removal, physical therapy is essential to strengthen muscles around the ankle and foot, improve range of motion, and restore normal function.
• Surgery: In fractures with displaced fragments or complex cases, surgery may be necessary to realign bones and stabilize the joint. Surgery may involve placement of plates, screws, or wires to keep bones in correct position during healing.

Some preventive measures include:

• Use of Protective Equipment: In high-risk activities, such as sports or work, use of appropriate footwear and protective equipment can help prevent serious injuries.
• Muscle Strengthening: Exercises to strengthen leg and ankle muscles can help improve stability and reduce fracture risk.
• Care During Activities: Avoid falls and accidents by maintaining awareness of surroundings and using proper techniques during physical activities.