how to treat a broken calcaneus

Restoration of normal alignment and contour is considered the best way to restore function. But even with appropriate treatment some fractures may result in long-term complications such as pain swelling loss of motion and arthritis.

Calcaneus Fracture Broken Heel Bone Orthopaedic Trauma Association Ota

The long-term prognosis with these fracturesparticularly with regard to return to workis usually associated with lengthy recovery and limited mobility along with a possible need for reconstructive surgery.

. Aside from pain-relieving treatment there are a number of rehabilitation tasks you must follow. Treatment focuses on restoring normal heel function and correcting any deformity. Calcaneus fractures can be quite severe.

Treatment often involves surgery to reconstruct the normal anatomy of the heel and restore mobility so that patients can return to normal activity. Once the pain subsides with immobilization treatment it. While your broken calcaneus is healing you will not be able to put weight on your foot.

Following surgery your foot and ankle specialist will likely immobilize your foot in a cast to allow the bone and joints time to heal. Apply ice to your heel to decrease swelling and pain. Elevate your heel above the level of your heart as often as you can.

This will help decrease swelling and pain. This will include rest icing compression and elevation and immobilization. Treatment of these fractures may require surgery.

Causes Fractures of the calcaneus. Consent to exams and tests to determine how severe the fracture is. Cover the bag with a towel before you place it on your heel.

Possible treatment options for calcaneus fractures The only person responsible to give you thorough advice about the possible calcaneus fracture treatment is your doctor. You should follow the at-home treatments recommended for non-surgical patients including rest ice elevation and compression. Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures.

Fractures or breaks of the calcaneus commonly occur after a fall from a height or car accident. See your doctor if you have symptoms of a broken heel. They may move your foot into different positions to check your range of motion.

Getting Medical Treatment Download Article 1. Calcaneus fracture recovery time varies from person to person. Many patients with labor-intensive jobs are unable.

The doctor then places pins wires screws or metal plates to hold the bone pieces together. Treatment often involves surgery to reconstruct the normal anatomy of the heel and restore mobility so that patients can return to normal activity. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound can speed up fracture repair and treatment can be done to the leg to reduce the effects of altered gait.

The goal of heel fracture surgery is to restore the shape of the heel bone as close to normal as possible. A cast or splint will be used to protect the fracture and hold the bones in their proper position. The precise location of your pain can help determine its cause.

This can be treated with bracing or surgery. But even with appropriate treatment some fractures may result in long-term complications such as pain swelling loss of motion and arthritis. For good calcaneus fracture recovery one must take considerable care of the heel bone and not place any weight on it for approximately 10 weeks after surgery.

For some fractures nonsurgical treatments may be used. Ad Find Deals on bone fracture healing supplement in Nutrition on Amazon. Surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures usually involves making an incision over the outside of the foot and placing a metal plate and screws into the broken heel bone.

He or she closes the skin incision with sutures. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your injury. The doctor makes an incision over your heel.

Sometimes physical therapy is prescribed to help with motion and weight bearing once the bone heals. Use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Treatment for a calcaneus fracture.

If you have working patients who have suffered fractures of the calcaneus consider a conservative approach to treatment. If you think you may have broken your heel call your doctor. You may be asked to walk for a short distance so that your doctor can examine your gait.

Additionally the tendons that pass along the outer border of the calcaneus can become damaged or irritated. Immobilization with a cast can last 6-8 weeks or longer. This may be able to be treated surgically.

Your healthcare provider will attempt to restore the normal alignment of the bone and return the cartilage surface as close to normal as possible. Recovery from Calcaneal Fracture Surgery. Your physician is going to propose a certain treatment after a careful physical examination and some diagnostics that will be ordered.

Nonsurgical treatment is possible if the pieces of the broken heel have not been displaced. Treatment of calcaneal fractures is dictated by the type of fracture and extent of the injury. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.

During the physical exam your doctor will check for points of tenderness in your foot. This form of treatment is usually done for nondisplaced Calcaneus fracture or displaced broken heel. You will likely be immobilized in a well-padded splint.

Treatment involves immobilization with a cast splint or brace for six to eight weeks. Cast helps to restrict and prevent movements of the fractured fragments of bones and ankle joint. Calcaneus fractures may cause heel widening making it difficult to fit into a shoe.

The right treatment will depend on the nature of. Crutches are used to take. The calcaneus is the heel bone.

Concentrating on reducing inflammation around the fracture site can also aid healing. Immobilization- Cast is applied over foot ankle and lower 23rd of the leg. He or she moves the bones back into place.

Irrespective of whether the injured foot is put in a cast or splint one must not put any weight on the foot until the bone is completely healed which takes six to eight weeks at the least or sometimes longer. The foot and ankle surgeon will discuss with the patient the best treatmentwhether surgical or nonsurgicalfor the fracture. Calcaneus fractures can be quite severe.

The fixation stays in place and is not generally removed.

Bone Fracture Fracture Calcaneus Fracture