Calcaneal Stress Fractures

What is a calcaneal stress fracture?

The calcaneus bone is the big heel bone at the back of the foot. Due to overuse a stress fracture can occur in the bone. It is common for soldiers who have to do a lot of marching or road runners.

What are the symptoms?

• Insidious, gradual onset heel pain.
• Pain is made worse by weight bearing activities.
• Pain is reproduced by squeezing the back of the heel from both sides.

Often an X-ray of the injured bone will not show any sign of fracture until the fracture has actually started to heal (2-3 weeks later). It is also possible that a stress fracture will not appear on an X-ray at all. If a stress fracture is suspected then you should rest completely for 6-8 weeks. Crutches can be helpful.

What can the athlete do about it?

• See a sports Doctor for advice.
• Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary.
• Use a heel pad to protect the heel and allow it to rest.

What a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor can do?

• X-ray the bone.
• Do a bone scan.
• Apply a plaster cast for 2 - 6 weeks if pain is severe.

When the athlete does start back running they must ensure the muscles in the lower leg are stretched and supple. A gradual return to full training is important.