What is a stress fracture of the calcaneus?
The calcaneus is the anatomical name given to the heel bone (figure 1). Several muscles attach to the calcaneus so that when they contract, they exert a pulling force on the bone. Furthermore, weight bearing activity places compressive forces through this bone. When these forces are excessive or too repetitive and beyond what the bone can withstand, bony damage can gradually occur. This initially results in a bony stress reaction, however, with continued damage may progress to a stress fracture. Causes of a stress fracture of the calcaneus Stress fractures of the calcaneus typically occur over time with excessive weight bearing activity such as marching or running. They often present following a recent increase in activity or change in training conditions. Signs and symptoms of a stress fracture of the calcaneus Patients with this condition typically experience a pain on either the inner or outer aspect of the heel bone that increases with impact activity such as marching, running, jum