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What is a broken heel?

What causes the heel to break?

What are the symptoms of a broken heel?

How can doctors tell if my heel is broken?

How do doctors treat a broken heel?

Fractures

Overview of Broken Bones

Compression Fractures of the Spine

Growth Plate Fractures

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a viral infection that progressively destroys certain white blood cells. Untreated, it usually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Transmission of HIV requires contact with bodily fluid that contains the virus or cells infected with the virus. Which of the following is not a bodily fluid that commonly transmits HIV?

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Broken Heel

(Heel Fracture)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Feb 2021| Content last modified Feb 2021

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Topic Resources

Locating%20the%20Heel%20Bone

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

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

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Broken Hip

Fractures of the Heel Bone

Ankle Fractures

Foot Fractures

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