Calcaneous Stress Fracture
I am 21 years old and typically run between 5-8 miles about 5 or 6 days a week.
In the beginning of july I experienced a lot of pain in the center of my heel but stupidly decided to “run through it”.
I could not walk the next morning so I went to the emergency room and had it X-Rayed.
The X-Rays came back negative and I was diagnosed with achilles tendonitis.
After two weeks of no relief from the symptoms I saw an orthopedic surgeon who guessed tendonitis again and told me I could run in a week, which I did.
The pain in my heel went away but the swelling did not.
I had an MRI done about 3 weeks ago which revealed a stress fracture in the posterior medial calcaneous.
I have been given different opinions on treatment options.
I went to see another orthopedic surgeon becuase I recently moved and he took new x-rays.
The fracture is still not showing up on the xrays.
However, it is not painful to walk, but the swelling is STILL there.
I was curious on what to do about the swelling and when you think I will be able to run again.
Also, should I be in a cast? Currently I am wearing athletic sneakers every day and I have not ran since August 14th.
Thank you!!
3 comments
Kat
i was also told that walking on a stress fracture will stimulate bone growth, thus eliminating need for a cast.. However, I was ALSO told that an air cast would be needed. I don’t know who to believe!
Vivian Abrams DPM
I would not ever suggest that to a patient. A fracture needs to heal, not be continually re-stressed. What do you think caused it in the first place?Personally I am not a fan of Aircasts, orthopedists seem to like them though. I use other removeable cast boots.
Vivian Abrams DPM
I think running is out of the question for now. If you must exercise, swim or bike. I would have wanted to see the MRI as well.As far as immobilizing, without evaluating you I can not say for sure. I generally lean toward being very conservative and would, but sometimes a good orthotic or heel cushion might be enough. I have some patients who I teach how to tape their heel and that helps. In summary, I do not have an exact answer.