You take a step, expecting the familiar feeling of the ground beneath your feet, but instead, you experience a sharp, stabbing pain radiating from your heel. Walking on a broken heel bone can be incredibly painful and debilitating. The discomfort experienced from this type of injury can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities and may even decrease your quality of life. However, understanding heel fracture symptoms, causes, and appropriate steps to take can make a crucial difference in the recovery process.
Symptoms of a Heel Fracture
If you have a broken heel bone, each step can feel like a dagger piercing through your heel, sending waves of pain shooting up your leg. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heel fracture is crucial for a prompt diagnosis and getting the treatment you need.
Here are some common symptoms associated with heel fractures:
- Intense pain in the heel and foot
- Swelling and bruising in and around the heel
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Visible deformity or abnormality in the foot
- Audible snapping sound upon injury
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your Marietta foot doctor to determine the extent of the injury and get started with the proper treatment.
Common Causes of a Heel Fracture
Heel fractures can occur because of various traumatic incidents or repetitive stress on the foot. Understanding the underlying causes can help you identify potential risk factors and take preventive measures to avoid injury. Here are five potential causes of a heel fracture.
Traumatic Injuries
A traumatic injury such as a slip and fall injury, a car accident, or a sports-related collision can put serious force on the heel bone, potentially leading to a broken bone or fracture. The impact of these accidents can even result in hairline cracks within the bone, which are a type of fracture that may not be as obvious as other types of broken bones. However, a hairline fracture in your heel will still require medical attention.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures in the heel bone can develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress or overuse. Athletes or people who participate in activities like prolonged running, jumping, or other types of excessive force on the heel can be at greater risk for stress fractures. These types of repetitive activities may weaken the heel bone and can lead to micro-fractures that can develop into full-blown fractures if left untreated.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition characterized by low bone density and increased bone fragility. This condition can significantly increase the risk of heel fractures, even if you don’t experience an obvious foot injury. Weakened bones because of osteoporosis are more susceptible to fractures, particularly in weight-bearing parts of the body like the heel. People with osteoporosis should take proactive measures to prevent falls and maintain bone health through appropriate lifestyle modifications and medical care.
Overpronation or Supination
Two types of abnormal foot mechanics can also put you at greater risk for a broken heel. Overpronation is the excessive inward rolling of the foot, and supination is the excessive outward rolling of the foot. Either of these can increase the stress put on the heel bone and surrounding structures. This imbalance in your foot alignment can lead to repetitive strain on the heel and contribute to the development of stress fractures or other types of heel injuries over time.
Age and Degenerative Changes
As we age, the natural changes in bone density and structure can put you at greater risk of heel fractures. Health conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease can weaken bones and make you more likely to suffer a broken bone with minor injuries or falls. Maintaining overall bone health through proper nutrition, exercise, and regular check-ups with your doctor is essential for reducing the risk of fractures in older adults.
When to See a Doctor about a Broken Heel Bone
If you suspect you are walking on a broken heel, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as you can. Delaying treatment can make a heel injury worse and may even lead to long-term complications. Talk to your Marietta foot doctor if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bruising in the heel area or if you are unable to bear weight on the affected foot. The sooner you get diagnosed with a heel fracture, the sooner you can get started on treatment to help alleviate your pain and discomfort for good.
Heel Fracture Treatment and Recovery
Your doctor will assess the severity of a heel fracture with a physical examination and diagnostic imaging tools like X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options for heel fractures may vary depending on the type and severity of your injury. In some cases, conservative measures, including rest and immobilizing the foot with a cast or splint, may be enough for healing from a heel fracture. However, more severe fractures may require surgical intervention, including internal fixation with screws or plates to stabilize the bone fragments.
Chiropractic Care for a Broken Heel Bone
Chiropractic care can aid in the treatment of a broken heel bone and can help alleviate your discomfort while also promoting your body’s natural healing processes. Chiropractors address various injuries and issues, including heel pain, by assessing misalignments, muscle tension, and restricted joint mobility. Your Marietta chiropractor may perform chiropractic adjustments to the spine and lower extremities to improve the function and support of your affected foot. Soft tissue techniques, including massage therapy, can also help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing. Your chiropractor may also recommend customized exercise programs designed to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, along with preventing further injury in the area.
AICA Orthopedics in Marietta for Heel Pain
Walking on a broken heel can exacerbate pain and potentially worsen the injury, so you should always talk to your doctor before you accidentally make an injury worse. If you suspect a broken heel, don’t hesitate to contact our team at AICA Orthopedics in Marietta for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team of doctors includes foot specialists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, and physical therapists who can all play an important role in your recovery from a broken heel. Get started with a personalized treatment plan at AICA Orthopedics designed to reduce your pain and promote healthy functioning so you can get back to your regular activities as soon as possible.