Mountain climbers can experience a number of stress fractures during their climbing activities, including a calcaneus fracture. The calcaneus is also known as the heel bone. For some, a calcaneus fracture can be debilitating and extremely painful. Knowing how they occur and how to prevent them can help you continue with your mountain climbing ventures safely and injury free.
Anatomy
The calcaneus or heel bone is one of the largest in the foot. It's shaped in a square-shaped bone that juts out from the tarsal bones of the foot. The posterior facet of the calcaneus bears most of the weight of your torso, with your weight evenly distributed throughout the bones of the foot. Three additional facets allow and facilitate ankle joint movement. Damaged or broken heel bones restrict your ability to walk and often cause long-term disability because of a climbing injury.
Cause
Calcaneus fractures occur in traumatic accidents when the heel of the foot impacts with a solid surface, such as when a climber jumps or falls onto his feet while climbing. In some cases, the impact shatters the heel bone, or deforms or flattens the calcaneus, causing extreme pain and difficulty placing any weight or pressure on the injured foot. Some heel bone fractures are caused by impact falls of 6 feet or less, depending on the position of your foot when you land.
Treatment
Treatment approach to a calcaneus fracture depends on the type, which facets may be affected and the severity of the fracture. Some fractures are treated non-surgically, while others require surgery to repair and stabilize the bone with pins. Casting is often utilized, with a no-weight-bearing order for at least two weeks. Following removal of the cast, you may require physical therapy that offers range of motion and progressive weight bearing exercises to help restore joint function and mobility. This process can take between eight and 12 weeks.
Complications
Calcaneus fractures often cause chronic complications or reduced joint strength and stability even after the healing process and therapy have concluded. Chronic pain is common. Pain is commonly described as a hot, burning sensation under the heel pad, on the inside of the ankle, or outside of the heel and ankle. Surgical interventions may increase the risk for infection and unsuccessful union of calcaneus bone fragments in the case of a shattered or badly impacted calcaneus. Your doctor will suggest the most beneficial treatment for your fracture.
