Tag Archive for: heel pain

Calcaneus Fracture

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A fracture of the calcaneus, or heel bone, is a serious and disabling injury that can lead to longstanding problems in the foot and ankle. Calcaneus fractures can cause intense pain and make walking more difficult. Without treatment, they may worsen and further damage the broken bone. Because this type of fracture can be hard to treat, it’s imperative getting the best help from the most experienced orthopedic specialists, like those you’ll find at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado. No one needs to suffer from the pain or possible complications from this type of fracture.

OVERVIEW

A calcaneus fracture is one or more small breaks in the heel bone (calcaneus). They are relatively uncommon, accounting for approximately 2% of the total number of foot fractures. Most fractures are closed injuries, meaning the skin is intact. When the skin around the fracture is broken, this may represent an open fracture, also called a compound fracture. An open fracture of the calcaneus is an emergency that requires urgent surgery.

WHAT IS A CALCANEUS FRACTURE?

Fractures of the calcaneus may or may not involve the subtalar and surrounding joints. Fractures involving the joints (intra-articular fractures) are the most severe type of fractures and include damage to the cartilage (the connective tissue between two bones). If the fracture does involve the joints, there is the potential for long-term consequences, such as arthritis and chronic pain. Fractures that do not involve the joint (extra-articular fractures) include:

  • Those caused by trauma, such as avulsion fractures (in which a piece of the bone is pulled off of the calcaneus by the Achilles tendon or a ligament) or crush injuries resulting in multiple fracture fragments
  • Stress fractures caused by overuse or mild injury

Read more about Calcaneus Fractures on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist today.

Plantar Fasciitis Prevention and Treatment

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If you have ever felt a stabbing, burning, or dull pain in the heel of the foot, you may have a condition called plantar fasciitis. There is a tough fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and helps support the arch of the foot, called plantar fascia. It can become irritated and inflamed and make standing or walking a nightmare.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused a lack of adequate arch support, which leads to inflammation and damage of the plantar fascia tissue.

What Actually Causes Plantar Fascia?

There is no single cause of plantar fasciitis but rather a group of risk factors that increase the chance of it developing. These risk factors include: being overweight or obese, an internal structure problem in the foot, a sudden increase in a person’s physical activity levels, and inadequate footwear. A combination of these factors can significantly increase your risk of developing the condition. 

What is the Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

Most doctors recommend rest, moderation in physical activity, and adequate arch support as treatment for plantar fasciitis.

To control inflammation and pain symptoms, doctors often recommend anti-inflammatory medications to take when symptoms appear. When this doesn’t work, you may choose to get corticosteroid injections in the heel to help with the pain.

Surgery is generally a last resort option for plantar fasciitis and a very small percentage of patients need it. Generally, a combination of the treatments described above do the trick to relieve symptoms and heal the foot.

How to Best Avoid Developing Plantar Fasciitis

The best way to avoid getting plantar fasciitis is a multi-pronged prevention approach. This will include reducing risk factors that lead to plantar fascia inflammation. Here are some ways you can prevent plantar fasciitis developing in your feet.

  • Make certain you wear footwear that offers proper support to the heel.
  • Maintain a healthy weight according to your body frame. This will keep unnecessary pressure off of your feet.
  • Perform exercise in moderation and stop when your body tells you it’s had enough.
  • If you feel pain in the heel, stop and let your feet rest for a few days before resuming physically demanding activities.
  • Talk to an orthopedic physician. If you feel any signs of pain in the heel of your foot, talk to an orthopedic physician immediately to get examined. Your physician will diagnose you (if necessary) and recommend lifestyle changes or treatment, as appropriate. Plantar fasciitis pain gets worse with time when left untreated, so it’s best to see a doctor early on.

Plantar Fasciitis Pain in Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you are feeling pain in the heels of your feet, it’s time to see an orthopedic physician to get diagnosed and treated. If you live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, consider seeing the experts at the Colorado Center for Orthopedic Excellence. Their physicians have substantial experience treating all types of orthopedic issues such as plantar fasciitis and would love to help you get better. To make an appointment, call (719) 623-1050 or request an appointment online.