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Calcaneal stress fractures
Jason M Weber1, Louis G Vidt, Richard S Gehl
1Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA. meadeweber@yahoo.com
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|November 24, 2004
Summary
Calcaneal stress fractures are an often overlooked cause of heel pain, distinct from common plantar fasciitis. Increased awareness can improve diagnosis and treatment for athletes and active individuals experiencing persistent heel pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Plantar heel pain is commonly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome.
- Atypical causes should be considered when symptoms are unusual or treatments fail.
- Calcaneal stress fractures are a frequently unrecognized source of heel pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight calcaneal stress fractures as an underdiagnosed cause of heel pain.
- To emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis in cases of persistent or atypical heel pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations for heel pain.
- Discussion of differential diagnoses for plantar heel pain.
Main Results:
- Calcaneal stress fractures can mimic plantar fasciitis symptoms, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnosis.
- These fractures occur across diverse populations, including athletes, military personnel, and children.
- Symptoms may improve with treatments for plantar fasciitis, masking the true diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Increased recognition of calcaneal stress fractures is needed among healthcare practitioners.
- Consideration of calcaneal stress fractures can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment for heel pain.
- This condition affects active individuals and requires a higher index of suspicion for appropriate management.