The heel fracture is severe, usually leaving sequelae and recovers for a long time and the person may have to stay 8 to 12 weeks without being able to rest his foot on the ground, during this period the doctor may indicate the use of a dressing at first, and after about 15 or 20 days, replace it with a splint that can be removed for physiotherapy.
For the first 5 days, the person should stay in bed for as long as possible, with his feet raised so as not to swell, which tends to aggravate the pain, nor should hens be used to avoid putting his foot on the floor.and so bending your leg and moving in jumps or with someone else’s help by your side can be useful for going to the bathroom, for example.
- Symptoms that may indicate a broken heel include pain.
- Swelling of the foot after a fall of the foot.
- Diagnosis is based on x-rays at two different angles and a CT scan to assess the angle of the fracture.
- Whether the small joints of the foot are affected.
- And whether other foot structures.
- Such as ligaments and tendons.
- Have also been affected.
Treatment is done by placing a gypsum boot to immobilize the foot for a few weeks, but surgery may also be necessary to consolidate the fracture, allowing mobility of the foot.
To facilitate the movement of the person beyond the gypsum boot, the doctor may recommend the use of crutches, but without ever putting the foot on the ground, and therefore ideally moving as little as possible, staying more seated or lying down, which can also be exhausting.
The use of pillows of different heights can be useful to keep your foot elevated, deflate, support your leg and avoid pains in your buttocks or back.
Surgery after a calcaneal fracture should be performed by the orthopedist and is generally indicated when, in addition to a calcaneal fracture, there is:
Surgery does not need to be performed as soon as the fracture is identified, but it is safer to choose to perform it 7 to 14 days after the event so that the area is less inflamed; However, it may be helpful to seek advice from more than one orthopedic surgeon to assess the risk and need for surgery.
Surgery takes time and even during the procedure, X-rays may be done at the upper and lateral angles to check the position of the bone and plaques. After surgery, your doctor may recommend taking anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation and help with healing.
If wires, plates or other external clamping devices are placed, they can be removed at approximately 15 days, in cold blood, without anesthesia. Its extraction is painful and can cause bleeding, but usually you only have to clean it with alcohol at 70 euros.per day and the dressing can be changed whenever it is dirty or wet.In 8 days, the small holes must be completely cured.
After a heel fracture, complications such as osteomyelitis can occur, i.e. when the bone becomes infected due to the entry of viruses, fungi or bacteria that cause severe local pain. Find out more here.The most common sequels include:
It is not always possible to identify when these complications can occur, but they can be avoided by following all the instructions of the doctor and physical therapist.
Physical therapy should be individualized and the physical therapist should evaluate each case as the treatment may not be the same for everyone, sessions can be started as soon as possible, even before the fracture solidifies and may have several goals In the first few days after the fracture, it may be helpful to perform physical therapy with:
In addition, techniques can be used to stretch the muscles of the legs, move the fingers and ankle, always respecting the limit of pain and the range of motion. Several exercises may be recommended depending on fracture healing. Elastic bands of different intensities can be used to position the tip of the foot up, down, and move the foot sideways.
Normally, the person may return to work after 6 months of the heel fracture and during this period may be on drop to perform the necessary treatment, in some cases it may be possible to reach an agreement with the employer.so that work can be done at home for a period of time, until you can return to the company without restrictions.