See Also
Epidemiology
1. Second most common foot Stress Fracture (behind Metatarsal Stress Fracture)
Pathophysiology
1. Repetitive heel overload
2. Most commonly occurs posterior to the posterior facet of subtalar joint
Risks
1. Beginning runner
2. Runners on concrete surface
3. Ballet dancers
Symptoms
1. Sudden onset of pain at base of foot
2. Initially pain only with activity ultimately progresses to pain at rest
Signs
1. Localized Ecchymosis and swelling
2. Point tenderness at the Fracture site
Differential diagnosis
1. Acute calcaneal Fracture with fall from height
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Imaging
1. Foot XRay
  1. High false negative rate
  2. Thin cortex makes Fracture identification difficult
2. Bone Scan
3. Foot MRI
Management
1. Decreased weight bearing activity
2. Consider CAM Walker boot
3. Consider non-weight bearing

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 10/29/2011 and last published on 2/5/2012.

This is one of 5663 pages in the Family Practice Notebook