Calcaneal Fracture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A calcaneal (kal-KA-ne-al) fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break, crack, or damage in the calcaneus or heel bone. The calcaneus is the largest and most common injured bone of the foot. The heel and talus bones are connected with strong tissues that attach them together. It supports the weight of the body while walking or doing activities. Heel bone fractures may happen because of a fall, car accident, or while playing sports. You may also break your heel bone from a direct blow or by badly turning your ankle the wrong way. You may have pain, swelling, bruising, or trouble moving your ankle and foot. The foot of the injured heel may feel weak, numb, or tingly.
  
  
• The broken heel bone may also cut or tear the ligaments (tissues that connect bones) causing more problems. A bone scan, x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluoroscopy may be used for diagnosis. Medicines to control pain and prevent infection from germs and tetanus may be given. A walking cast or a splint may be used to treat a mild heel fracture. Very severe (bad) fractures may need surgery to put the bones and ligaments back together. Special screws, plates, pins, and wires may be used in surgery. With treatment and care, your calcaneal fracture may heal completely and you may be able to resume your usual activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Caring for your wound: Wounds must be free of germs, such as bacteria and viruses, to help them heal. Do the following to help your wound heal:

• Do not let your wounds get wet. Always keep your wounds clean and dry. When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the wound with soap and water. Afterwards, pat it dry with a clean towel. Ask your caregiver what else you should do to care for your wound.
  
  
• Limit movements such as stretching, to prevent bleeding, tearing, and swelling.

Cast or splint care: You may need a cast or splint to keep your foot from moving while it heals. You may take a bath when your caregiver tells you it is OK. It is important not to get the cast or splint wet. Before bathing, cover the cast or splint with two plastic trash bags. Tape the bags to your skin above the cast to seal out the water. Keep your foot out of the water in case the bag leaks. Ask your caregiver for more information on cast and splint care.

Other ways to help bones and wounds heal:

• Eat foods high in protein, such as meat, eggs and dairy products, to help repair tissue. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread and cereals, are needed for cell growth. Eating foods high in calories, and foods rich in zinc, such as meats, seafood (especially oysters), and liver, may also help healing. Taking vitamins A and C help increase scar tissue strength. Caffeine causes blood vessels to constrict (get small). This carries less oxygen to body tissues and delays healing. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, soda, and sports drinks. Ask your caregiver for more information about foods that may help wound healing.
  
  
• Avoid smoking cigars, pipes and cigarettes. Smoking decreases the ability of new blood vessels to form on the wound site, and delays healing.
  
  
• Certain medicines, such as steroids and blood thinners, may delay wound healing. Ask your caregiver for more information about medicines that may delay healing.
  
  
• If you have certain diseases, such as diabetes (high sugar level in the blood), take your medicines regularly, and carefully control your blood sugar. People with diabetes may have poor wound healing. Ask your caregiver for help managing your diabetes.

Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.

Using crutches: You may need to use crutches for support and decrease the stress on your foot when walking. It is important to use crutches correctly. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to use crutches.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• There are new blood stains or a bad smell coming from under the cast.
  
  
• You have more pain or swelling than you did before the cast or splint was put on.
  
  
• You have questions about your medicine or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have increased pain that does not go away.
  
  
• Your cast breaks or gets damaged.
  
  
• Your leg or toes feel numb.
  
  
• Your skin or toenails near the injured heel become swollen, cold, or turn white, blue, or gray.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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