Anatomy
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What is the Calcaneus?

Sandra Koehler
Sandra Koehler

The calcaneus is another name for the heel bone. It is one bone in a cluster of bones of the foot between the lower leg or shin bones, the tibia and fibula, and the bones of the foot. The metatarsal bones, also known as the foot bones, are five long bones in the foot that serve as the connection of the toes.

The calcaneus is the largest bone of the foot. Its purpose is to supply a connection between the ankle and the foot, and to provide muscle attachments. Muscle attachments are where the muscle fastens to a movable bone. This connection is referred to as a joint. The Achilles tendon, for example, the thickest and strongest tendon of the body, attaches the calf muscles to the calcaneus. A tendon is a band of fibrous connective tissue connecting muscles to bones.

The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot.
The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot.

Problems with the calcaneus can arise when there are problems with the muscle attachments or when a trauma is sustained, such as through a fall or direct blow to the heel. A fracture or a break in this area can also occur with a severe ankle sprain. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments where micro-tears occur. A ligament connects bone to bone. A sprain to the ankle ligaments can create excessive stress on the calcaneus and can a fracture.

Rest and casting are typically enough to allow a calcaneus fracture to heal.
Rest and casting are typically enough to allow a calcaneus fracture to heal.

A fracture of the calcaneus can cause pain and swelling of the foot and ankle, especially in the heel area, coupled with difficulty or inability to walk. Pain is exacerbated with activities and can be made worse by squeezing of the heel. However, since calcaneal fractures are difficult to detect unless it is a compound fracture where the bone protrudes from the skin, a break in the heel bone may not show up on an x-ray for several weeks after it begins to heal.

A sprain to the ankle ligaments may create excessive stress on the calcaneus.
A sprain to the ankle ligaments may create excessive stress on the calcaneus.

Treatment for a calcaneal fracture includes complete rest and casting. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to properly realign the heel bone. Physical rehabilitation and a gradual return to activity are recommended following the removal of the cast.

Heel pain issues can include bursitis, tendinitis and fasciitis, common inflammation conditions irritating the bursa, the small sac which reduces friction where the bone meets muscle, the tendon, or the fascia, the web-like protective connective tissues inside the ankle. Other problems associated with pain in the calcaneus include bone spurs, arthritis conditions and excessive stress to the foot and ankle. The use of special taping techniques or bracing such as foot orthotics may be beneficial in relieving heel pain.

Discussion Comments

anon166437

I broke my calcaneus when my horse fell on me. At first they were going to pin it but decided not to. I have had my pot on for six weeks now and it is not healing very well. Can anyone tell me whether they will pin it now or put me another pot on? --Belinda

anon107358

I got a calcaneus fracture in July for six weeks i had a plaster of paris cast. The doctor says the bones are rejoined and he asked to me stay on bed rest for another four weeks. He is not allowing me walk. please advise me.

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    • The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot.
      By: eAlisa
      The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot.
    • Rest and casting are typically enough to allow a calcaneus fracture to heal.
      By: Fotoluminate LLC
      Rest and casting are typically enough to allow a calcaneus fracture to heal.
    • A sprain to the ankle ligaments may create excessive stress on the calcaneus.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A sprain to the ankle ligaments may create excessive stress on the calcaneus.
    • Treatment for a calcaneal fracture includes rest.
      By: jeep5d
      Treatment for a calcaneal fracture includes rest.
    • A calcaneus fracture may occur as a result of a fall.
      By: Alexander Gospodinov
      A calcaneus fracture may occur as a result of a fall.
    • An ice pack may help ease pain and swelling associated with a sprained calceaneus.
      By: Dani Simmonds
      An ice pack may help ease pain and swelling associated with a sprained calceaneus.
    • Treatment for a calcaneus injury may include rest and elevation.
      By: nyul
      Treatment for a calcaneus injury may include rest and elevation.
    • Wearing a cast may be necessary for a fracture of the calcaneus.
      By: Sasa Komlen
      Wearing a cast may be necessary for a fracture of the calcaneus.