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Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Calcaneal Stress Fractures

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for heel bone stress fractures, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Understanding heel bone stress fractures and your options.

A calcaneal stress fracture is a tiny crack in the heel bone, caused by repeated stress rather than one big injury. The heel bone takes a lot of force with every step, so it can wear down if it does not get time to recover. Small cracks can grow if you keep pushing through the pain.

It often affects runners, military recruits, dancers, and people who suddenly raise their activity. Catching it early helps the bone heal and lowers the chance of a longer break from activity.

Also called: Heel Bone

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Calcaneal Stress Fractures care

Symptoms

Signs of heel bone stress fractures.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Deep heel pain that builds with running or jumping

  • 02

    Pain when you squeeze the sides of the heel

  • 03

    Swelling or warmth around the heel bone

  • 04

    Aching even at rest in more advanced cases

Why it happens

What can cause heel bone stress fractures.

  • 01

    A fast jump in mileage or training time

  • 02

    Hard surfaces or worn-out running shoes

  • 03

    Low bone strength or low vitamin D

  • 04

    Not enough rest between hard workouts

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Diagnosis and care

How we treat heel bone stress fractures.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We check for pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed and ask about recent changes in training. Early stress fractures may not show on an X-ray, so MRI is often the best test. CT can help in special cases, and blood tests may be used to check bone health.

Step 2 · Treatment

The main treatment is rest from the activity that caused it. A walking boot or crutches takes weight off the bone while it heals. We build a slow return plan and may suggest cross-training like swimming or cycling. Shoes with good cushion and, at times, orthotics reduce future stress.

Surgery is rarely needed for stress fractures of the heel. It is considered only if the bone fails to heal or the fracture shifts.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Healing often takes six to twelve weeks, and return to running is gradual after that. Coming back too soon can set healing back.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if heel pain keeps building with activity or hurts when you squeeze the heel. Stop hard exercise until you are seen, since a small crack can grow.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Why did my X-ray look normal?

Early stress fractures are often too small to see on an X-ray. MRI can show the injury much sooner.

Can I keep training while it heals?

Usually not on the injured heel. Low-impact options like swimming may be possible if we approve them.

Get help with heel bone stress fractures.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Calcaneal Stress Fractures care at 15 clinics.

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