Heel Stress Fractures

Foot overuse can cause heel fracture. Small cracks in the heel bones develop overtime when they are forced to absorb the shock and impact that fatigued foot muscles are no longer able to absorb.

Fractures of the heel can also develop even when the foot is not overused, especially when a patient has osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions.

Heel stress fracture normally crop up in the lower leg’s outer bone (also called the fibula) and the midfoot’s top bone (also called the navicular). Fractures are not exclusive to those areas, though – they can also occur in the second or third metatarsals flanked by the midfoot and the toes.

Heel Fracture Signs and Symptoms

Patients with heel fracture usually feel pain that builds up progressively. The pain usually worsens during foot activities and becomes more tolerable during rest. Swelling of the outside ankle is another symptom, usually coupled with tenderness and sometimes even bruising.

Once you suspect that you have a heel fracture, stop what you are doing immediately and rest the affected foot. Never ignore the pain – it can cause your bone to completely break, among other serious upshots. Quickly apply ice on the area and elevate it above the level of your heart. Avoid putting weight on the affected foot and see a doctor immediately.

Heel Bone Fracture Causes / Risk Factors

Heel stress fracture usually stem from shock and overuse. Runners who have been resting for months, for example, may shock their foot muscles by trying to match their earlier mileage without proper warm up. Runners who abuse their feet by practicing for longer than the required number of hours may also develop fractures of the heel.

Inadequate or improper equipment like ill-fitting sports shoes may also cause heel stress fractures. Changes in the running surface, such as running from a kinder indoor track to a harsher outdoor track can likewise contribute to the development of stress fractures.

Conditions like flat-footedness, osteoporosis, bunions, etc. can also radically alter the way the foot works, making it more prone to stress fractures. Studies also show that female athletes with highly irregular menstrual cycles may suffer from lower bone density, making them more prone to fractures of the heel.

Early Detection and Diagnoses

Because x-rays are not very effective in detecting stress fractures, most doctors recommend patients to undergo bone scans. Bone scanners are much more precise than x-rays and can spot fractures of the heel at their early stages.

Treatment of Heel Bone Fractures

Heel stress fracture usually heal on their own provided that the patient rests the affected area and wears protective footwear. Most patients are required to shift to shoes with stiffer soles or braced shoes for two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the heel fracture. Athletes, especially runners who need to maintain high levels of physical activity are usually advised to temporarily switch to another sport until their fractures heal. Swimming, for example, is an excellent alternative and does not put stress on the affected area.

Heel Fracture Surgery is usually not necessary, except is some cases when the fracture occurs in the fifth metatarsal. The surgeon may recommend the insertion of a screw in the bone to help the area heal properly.

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