calcaneus stress fracture

Epidemiology

• marathon runners

Clinical manifestations

• tenderness or pain to palpation or percussion of bone
• pain with hopping on affected foot

Radiology

• X-ray of calcaneus may show fracture line
  • follow-up X-ray in 4 weeks to document healing

Management

• calcaneal stress fractures are at low risk for non-union
  • walking boot is appropriate for calcaneal stress fracture
  • rest, crutches &/or footwear padding may be appropriate
• when ambulation is pain-free, & pain is not ellicited with provocative examination, activity can he gradually resumed

• prognosis
  • most patients can resume running in 8-12 weeks

More general terms

• calcaneus fracture
• stress fracture (fatigue fracture)

Additional terms

• calcaneus (heel bone)