Shattered Heel (calcaneus)
I’ve been reading the articles about the shattered heels (calcaneus). I was in a car accident July 9, 2014. When the paramedics arrived at the scene they said I was sitting outside my car. My car was in such bad condition that they said the only way I could be outside the car was if I was ejected. Well, this couldn’t be because I had severe seatbelt burns on my chest and lap. The paramedic did say I kept telling them there had been a man that helped me, but there was no one in the car w/me when I was driving. They couldn’t find evidence that someone had been in the car w/me, but they said they didn’t know how someone could have pulled me out of the car. The floorboard on my side was bent up above my seat so my legs would have been pinned. I believe this “man” I was talking about was my Guardian Angel who pulled me from my car. My injuries include a broken L5 vertebrae in my back, a shattered heel and ankle (calcaneus), and a bone fractured behind my eye. I will be wearing a back brace or 3-4 months, luckily won’t need surgery. I had to have reconstructive surgery on my heel July 26th, 2014. I am currently trying to recover from that. To my surprise the ankle is the most painful of all my injuries. This heel injury is still new to me and I’m still trying to learn as much about it as I can. I would appreciate any information from anyone who has any knowledge or experience. Any tips on pain relief techniques would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chelsea
3 comments
Cass
Chelsea, I am not a doctor or medical professional but I thought I might add a little since I had a similar injury 2 years ago. (Crushed my heel, ankle, and navicular bones) When you are able to wear shoes again you may find them difficult or painful to wear, especially when trying to walk. I just wanted to mention that I found hiking shoes and sneakers to be the easiest to wear. The only thing I could wear in sandals comfortably was Teva’s Wraptor sandals which you can order from L.L.Bean. Even now I have some trouble with most other kinds of shoes. Good luck with your healing it takes awhile but you have overcome a lot already so I am sure you will do great. Stay strong and keep your spirits up. We are all rooting for you.
paula callaghan
My son broke a number of bones in both feet, and shattered his right heel. He suffers a lot of pain still, five years after the injury, particularly in the heel and ankle area. What treatment or even what footwear would you recommend please help.
Al Kline DPM
Fractures of the calcaneus, especially if they are intra-articular, will cause significant STJ arthritis. The calcaneus is a ‘major player’ in gait and the joints around the heel bone control the forefoot in gait. Thus, any injury in this area can affect your gait pattern and lead to stresses on other joints of your foot. In your case, it appears to be affecting your ankle, which is no suprise after a significant compression and/or comminuted fracture of the calcaneus. Significant calcaneal fractures may lead to fusions such as STJ arthrodesis or triple arthrodesis to eleviate chronic pain in this area. You will likely require a special walking shoe and orthotics once the area is healed, and time will tell. You injury is still relatively ‘new’ since you fractured the calcaneus just a few weeks ago. Good luck on your recovery!Al Kline DPMwww.podassociates.proboards25/PODIATRY ASSOCIATES FORUMpodassociatesPODIATRY ASSOCIATES