Of all the stress fractures which occur in the body, about 80-95% develop in the lower extremity. Runners are especially more prone to developing stress fractures in the heel bone, or calcaneus, due to the repetitive force and pounding applied to their foot while exercising. The calcaneus is the second most common location for stress fractures in the foot after the metatarsal bones. Symptoms of a calcaneal stress fracture include: pain upon squeezing the heel, swelling, and tenderness. Unlike plantar fasciitis, heel pain resulting from stress fracture will be located under the heel and is often reproducible with the ‘calcaneal squeeze test’ which is indicative of a stress fracture.
Causes:
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Repetitive running or jumping
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Sudden increase in activity
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Runners with low bone density, osteoporosis or osteopenia
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Running shoes with poor shock absorption
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Heavy ‘heel strikers’
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of a calcaneal stress fracture can be made by your podiatrist clinically in the office and after evaluation of an x-ray. If x-rays are negative but there is still suspicion of a fracture, an MRI may be required.
Treatment:
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Ice, elevation, and rest
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Runners who do not rest or decrease their activity are likely to develop a more severe fracture which will take longer to heal
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Short leg cast or walker boot: sometimes non-weightbearing is required to achieve healing
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Increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, whether through foods or supplements, may assist in the healing process and potentially prevent future stress fractures (this is especially important for women and individuals who have osteoporosis)
If you think you may have a stress fracture or have experienced them in the past, please give us a call at 721-4007 so we can help you alleviate this problematic condition.