Broken Heel

You can break your heel bone, which is located at the back of your foot. All broken bones are considered fractures. For more information, see Overview of Broken Bones.

• It takes a lot of force to break your heel bone

• You may have knee and spine injuries along with a broken heel

• Usually doctors treat you with a splint, but for a bad fracture they may do surgery

Locating the Heel Bone

The heel bone (calcaneus) is located at the back of the foot.

Common causes:

• Falling from a height

• Car crashes

• Sports injuries

The heel is also at risk for stress fractures. These are tiny cracks in the bone that come from the same motion happening over and over (such as in long distance running).

Symptoms include:

• Foot pain

• Swelling and bruising

• Inability to put weight on the foot

Doctors do:

• X-rays

• Sometimes, CT scan

Doctors will:

• Have you wear a cast to hold your bone in place while it heals

• Sometimes, do surgery

• Have you do physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and keep your joints working

• Sometimes, use a cane and a protective shoe or boot when you start walking again