Heel fracture

A heel fracture is a fairly complex injury of the foot. The calcaneus is the largest bone of the foot and performs a key weight-bearing function, therefore any disruption of its integrity — a crack or a fracture — leads to pronounced pain and prolonged limitation of mobility.

In the event of a foot injury, it is important to consult a trauma doctor as soon as possible. At the medical center «Оксфорд Медікал» in Kyiv, a 24/7 traumatology department operates, equipped with modern digital X-ray imaging. This makes it possible to immediately confirm the presence of a fracture, determine its type and severity, and promptly start treatment in accordance with clinical protocols.

Timely diagnosis and a correctly chosen treatment strategy are crucial for restoring foot function and preventing complications. You can make an appointment by phone or via the online booking form on the website.

The most common causes of a heel fracture include:

• falls from height with landing on the heels;
• road traffic accidents;
• sports injuries associated with jumping or sudden landing;
• occupational and household injuries;
• falls related to impaired coordination or reduced bone density.

In some cases, the injury may be combined with fractures of the lower leg, spine, or other bones, which requires a comprehensive examination of the patient.

Even if the pain subsides some time after the injury, this does not rule out the presence of a fracture. Therefore, any suspicion of a leg fracture is a reason to seek immediate medical attention.

Examination for suspected heel fracture begins with an assessment by a trauma doctor. The physician evaluates the location of pain, degree of swelling, presence of deformity and bruising, as well as the ability to bear weight. At this stage, the nature and severity of the injury can already be suspected.

The main method for confirming the diagnosis is foot X-ray imaging. X-ray allows detection of the fracture, determination of its type, presence or absence of fragment displacement, and involvement of joint surfaces.

In complex clinical cases or when an intra-articular fracture is suspected, the doctor may order computed tomography (CT). This study enables detailed assessment of the fracture configuration and planning of further treatment strategy.

Timely and accurate diagnosis is a key condition for proper treatment of a heel fracture and for reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Private traumatology services at «Оксфорд Медікал» operate around the clock, so you can undergo X-ray imaging and receive medical assistance at any time.

The treatment strategy for a heel fracture is determined individually and depends on the type of fracture, presence of fragment displacement, involvement of joint surfaces, and the condition of soft tissues. The calcaneus has a complex anatomical structure and plays a crucial role in load distribution during walking; therefore, the main goal of treatment is not only bone union but also preservation of the foot’s weight-bearing and shock-absorbing functions.

Conservative Treatment

A conservative approach is used for non-displaced fractures or when bone fragments remain stable. This treatment aims to create conditions for proper bone healing and prevent secondary displacement.

Treatment includes:

• immobilization of the foot and ankle joint using a plaster cast or orthosis to secure the fracture area;
• complete exclusion of weight-bearing on the injured leg for the period specified by the doctor;
• medication-based pain control;
• prevention of thromboembolic complications, especially in cases of limited mobility.

The duration of immobilization depends on the type of fracture and individual patient characteristics and usually lasts several weeks, followed by a gradual transition to rehabilitation.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention is indicated for fractures with fragment displacement, comminuted fractures, and cases involving the joint surfaces of the calcaneus. In such situations, without surgical correction there is a high risk of foot deformity and persistent functional limitations.

The main objectives of surgery are:

• anatomical alignment of bone fragments;
• restoration of joint surfaces;
• reliable and stable fixation for proper bone healing.

Depending on the clinical situation, osteosynthesis with metal hardware or other methods of surgical stabilization are used. After surgery, immobilization of the foot and ankle joint is also mandatory — usually with a plaster cast or a special orthosis. This is necessary to protect the fracture site, reduce load, and create conditions for proper bone healing.

The duration of immobilization and the timing of weight-bearing are determined individually by the doctor, taking into account the type of fracture, extent of surgical intervention, and recovery dynamics.

A heel fracture is an injury that may have long-term consequences even after bone union. Their severity depends on the type of fracture, involvement of joint surfaces, timeliness of treatment, and completeness of rehabilitation. Intra-articular fractures require particular attention, as they directly affect foot biomechanics.

Possible consequences of a heel fracture include:

• chronic pain in the heel or ankle area, which may worsen during walking or prolonged load;
• limited mobility of the ankle joint, making normal walking difficult and reducing endurance;
• foot deformity with impaired weight-bearing function and uneven load distribution;
• development of post-traumatic arthritis of the subtalar or ankle joint;
  limping after a heel fracture caused by impaired gait biomechanics and insufficient recovery;
• decreased tolerance to physical activity and rapid fatigue of the leg.

The risk of complications increases with delayed medical consultation, premature loading of the foot, or failure to follow rehabilitation recommendations. Adherence to an individual treatment plan and regular follow-up with a trauma doctor significantly reduce the risk of long-term consequences and help preserve foot function in the future.

The cost of heel fracture treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Pricing is influenced by the scope of required diagnostics and the chosen treatment strategy, including the need for surgical intervention and inpatient observation.

You can review prices in advance and learn which medical services in Kyiv are provided by the private clinic "Oxford Medical" on our website.

More detailed information about the treatment program and its cost will be provided by the trauma doctor after examination, assessment of the fracture type, and review of diagnostic results.

You can book a consultation at a convenient time by phone or via the online booking form. If necessary, you may also contact the admissions department or the 24/7 emergency trauma unit.