What Causes the Painful Calcaneus Fractures?

Published: Nov 01, 2023

Calcaneus fractures can bring your life to a standstill. Let's discover what causes these injuries and how to prevent them.
Contents

High-Energy Trauma: The Culprit

Most calcaneus fractures are the result of high-energy trauma, such as falling from a height. This type of injury exerts immense pressure on the heel, often leading to fractures. These incidents are common in workplaces where falls are a risk.

Low-Energy Missteps

Not all calcaneus fractures come from dramatic falls. Some occur from low-energy incidents, like twisting your ankle sharply. These situations can cause small fractures that mimic the symptoms of ankle sprains.
A calcaneus fracture is a break in the heel bone, often caused by high-energy trauma such as falls, or low-energy incidents like twisting the ankle.

The Role of Bone Health

Bone health plays a significant role in the likelihood of fractures. Weaker bones due to conditions like osteoporosis increase the risk of sustaining a fracture, even from minor injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

High-energy trauma like falls is the most common cause.

Yes, conditions like osteoporosis can make fractures more likely.

No, some can result from low-energy events like twisting an ankle.

Improving bone health and workplace safety can help prevent these injuries.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the causes of calcaneus fractures can help in taking preventive measures.
Want to know more about preventing these fractures? Chat with Doctronic today!

Related Articles

References

  1. Sanders RW, Clare MP. Calcaneous fractures. In: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 7th, Bucholz, RW, Heckman JD, Court-Brown CM, Tornetta P (Eds), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2010. p.2064.

This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.

AI Doctor Visit Required

Appointments available 24/7

😀 😀 😀
stethoscope

Top licensed doctors

Available in all 50 states

dossier

Full service care

Prescriptions, referrals & treatment

check

No insurance needed

All notes available in Doctronic

15-min consultation. No hidden costs.

AI Doctor Visit Required
Close icon

Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First

Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care

Lifebuoy

For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.

If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.

Contact us

You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai

We aim to reply within 5-7 days

How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?
Not likely at all Extremely likely