There’s Nothing Romantic About a Love Fracture
Have you ever heard of a “love fracture?” It sounds like what happens to a high schooler’s heart after a first breakup goes south but, in fact, it’s the common name for a fracture of the calcaneus, your heel bone.
What Causes a Heel Fracture?
Fractures of the calcaneus occur frequently, but they are not typically the result of a minor events such as tripping or bumping into something. Rather, they are most often the result of high-impact incidents such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle collision.
Types of Love Fractures
As with any fracture, there are several varieties of love fractures, ranging from mild to severe:
- Stable Fracture – broken bones remain aligned and in place
- Closed Fracture – broken bones move and cause damage to internal soft tissues but don’t break through the skin
- Comminuted Fracture – bones are broken into multiple pieces
- Displaced Fracture – broken bones move out of place and can only be put back together through surgery
- Open Fracture – broken bones puncture the skin and cause damage to other muscles and ligaments
Symptoms of a Love Fracture
If you break your heel bone, you might experience:
- pain
- bruising
- swelling
- difficulty walking
Treatment for Love Fractures
If you are concerned that you have fractured your calcaneus, you should see a board-certified podiatrist like Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos without delay. Your podiatrist will examine your feet and ankles and will likely order imaging tests such as x-rays. Your foot doctor will then diagnose the source of your discomfort and work with you to create an effective and individualized plan for treatment and ongoing care. Treatment options for calcaneal fractures might include:
- immobilization with a cast or boot
- over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain and swelling
- surgery, but only in severe cases
If you are concerned about anything related to the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, the first step on the road to recovery is an appointment with your foot doctor. A board-certified podiatrist like Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM is a medical specialist with years of education and experience, and is the best-qualified medical professional to care for these parts of your body. Schedule a convenient appointment in our comfortable Chicago office. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started today.
