Broken Heel Bone: A Not-So-Common Fracture

Katie Ormerod suffered a painful, career-pausing injury one day before competing in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. While training, the British snowboarder came off of a rail too early. The early departure caused her to split her right heel bone in half. Reading over those words paints a picture of pain. The injury itself was incredibly intense. For Ormerod, the heel injury paused what would have been her debut at the Olympic Winter Games. After multiple surgeries and months of rehab, Ormerod began a long journey to recovery. In March 2020, after a full-season return, she would earn a World Cup snowboard title. Katie was the first Briton to achieve this goal. Now, she is preparing for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

You may not be thinking of hitting the slopes in our neck of the woods, but this is a friendly reminder that a broken bone, or a fracture, can have severe consequences. The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists have treated this type of injury and advise patients not to underestimate the damage. Keep reading to learn more about common fractures that may occur and how we can help you with treatment. 

How can you break your heel bone?

A heel bone fracture occurs after a high-impact event. Think of Katie Ormerod practicing for the Olympic Games, for example. Other scenarios may include a car crash or even falling from a ladder. The injury occurs because the body’s weight has crushed the heel bone. Remember, this type of injury is uncommon. However, when it does occur it is serious and may require surgery. 

What are more common fractures?

Here’s how it works: a fracture is a break in the bone. The break type can vary. What is the most common cause of a break in a bone? An injury. Many patients are playing a sport when injured. Some may be involved in a vehicle accident.  

What are the signs of a broken bone?

If you think you have a broken foot or ankle bone, look for swelling, bruising, and pain. The injury will make it difficult to walk. We remind our patients to look for changes in their feet and ankles and alert their podiatrists. We encourage you to trust our team of experienced podiatrists to diagnose the pain. 

We’re here to help with your injuries. Treatment depends on the fracture type, so our team will use all of the diagnostic tools at our disposal, including x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI.

With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, we have vast experience treating issues of the ankles and feet. Our team: Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau. Our doctors offer the best quality in technologically advanced methods and cutting-edge medical treatments. Please call 520-575-0800 and make an appointment.