With the risk of falling or twisting your foot, you might be at risk for developing a calcaneus fracture. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the heel bone is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone -- tarsal bone fractures make up 2 percent of all fractures and adults. Sixty percent of tarsal bone fractures occur to the calcaneus bone. If you suspect you have a heel bone fracture from rock climbing, stop climbing and see a doctor.
Rock Climbing and Fractures
Rock climbing can lead to an injured heel bone in several ways. Twisting your foot while maneuvering along a mountain side can cause a crack in your calcaneus bone. Falling while rock climbing can lead to a more serious fracture. This fracture can be opened -- you will be able to see your bone. You might also develop a displaced fracture -- this occurs when your calcaneus bone is not properly aligned. The force from your fall can also lead to a comminuted fracture -- this is the term for your bone shattering. According to the Ankle and Foot Center of the San Fransisco Bay Area, 20 percent of people who sustain a heel bone fracture as the result of a fall will also sustain spinal fractures.
Symptoms
If you fracture your calcaneus bone, you will likely know the moment when your injury occurred. Symptoms of a heel bone fracture include pain, deformity, bruising, swelling and the inability or extreme difficulty bearing weight on your heel especially during walking. For minor fractures, you may be to walk. The pain may be milder and not stop you from walking.
Diagnosis
Many individuals who sustain a calcaneus fracture are likely to visit an emergency room for treatment. A medical history will be taken. An emergency room doctor will also examine your foot and treat any other areas of your body where you are experiencing pain. An X-ray will also be performed to confirm or rule out a fracture. You will likely be referred to an orthopaedic specialist for further treatment. This doctor might order a CT scan -- or computed tomography scan -- to provide a more detailed look at your heel bone.
Treatment
Treatment of a calcaneus fracture largely depends on the severity of your injury, your overall health and damage that has occurred to the surrounding soft tissues. A heel bone fracture can be treated with or without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment includes immobilizing your foot to allow the bone to heel. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you will not be permitted to place any weight on your foot during this time -- usually six to eight weeks. Surgical treatment is often necessary for displaced or open fractures. Surgeons may use screws and plates to keep your heel bone together. Regardless of the form of treatment you receive, physical therapy is often used to help increase strength, range of motion and function in your affected foot.
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