Stress Fractures of the Heel

The heel bone is known as the calcaneus.  Most people assume that their heel pain is due to a spur or plantar fasciitis.  If your heel pain lingers for weeks, one should see their podiatrist.  Clinical and radiographic examination can reveal a calcaneal stress fracture.

Pain usually occurs upon weight bearing and can be at times replicated with side to side compression along the heel bone.  Stress fractures are also known as march fractures, since excessive marching by soldiers can lead to this injury.  Overuse, like doing too much, too soon, too fast also can cause stress fractures.

X-rays are helpful in the diagnosis but stress fractures can take 2 weeks to be visible on radiographs.  Sometimes, stress fractures of the heel are never seen on x-rays.  Then a CT scan will be necessary for diagnosis.

TREATMENT
Treatment consists of rest, soft cast with walking boot, and ice.  Sometimes non-weight bearing with crutches will be necessary.  Healing can take 6-8 weeks.  When getting back into a walking shoe, a soft orthotic is helpful to relieve the pressure off the heel.

So, remember, not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis.