What Does a Fractured Heel Feel Like? 3 Things to Know

The heel bone, or calcaneus, is a main part of the foot located directly below the ankle. It connects the calf muscles to the foot and helps you push forward when taking a step.

This heel bone is in a vulnerable location that puts it in constant contact with hard surfaces, like the ground. When that contact is forceful, like in a fall from a height or an automobile accident, the bone can break just like any other.

While broken heels represent only about 2% of all bone fractures, these foot injuries can be both painful and debilitating, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Despite its somewhat concealed location, the calcaneus is the largest of the many bones that make up the foot. Breaking it requires medical attention.

How do you know if you broke your heel?

A broken heel will usually result in pain and swelling immediately after the injury. The sufferer will likely feel a throbbing pain and may see blisters in the area. Bruising and heel deformity can also be a result.

With minor fractures, people may be able to walk, but not without a limp.

How do you treat a broken heel?

As with most injuries, the severity of fractures to the heel can vary. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the damage while others get better without going under the knife.

People with heel injuries should see an orthopedic specialist, who will examine and X-ray the foot to determine the seriousness of the injury. A CT scan may also be ordered to get a better image of the bone.

A well-padded splint, boot or cast will be placed on the injured foot to protect it. The protection may have to be worn for six to eight weeks, or possibly longer. During this time, you may not be able to put any weight on your foot until the bone is completely healed.

If surgery is needed, the patient will be referred to an orthopedic surgeon.

Surgery might be required if the break misaligns a joint or if the bone's shape has changed, according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association.

How long does it take a broken heel to heal?

The heel bone usually takes three to four months to heal, whether surgery is performed or not.

The heel bone is also susceptible to stress fractures, which sometimes affects long distance runners and other athletes. These partial breaks in the bone are caused by repetitive stress rather than a single impact.

Heel stress fractures are typically resolved within eight weeks with noninvasive treatment.