Bruised Heel Bone Symptoms

The heel bone, also known as calcaneus and os tarsi fibulare, represents the largest structure of all the foot bones. Despite its size and strength, it is prone to bruising and fractures. With repeated use, the fat pad that cushions this bone gets displaced, thereby exposing it to painful injuries. In fact, mild bruised heel bone in children and adults is a commonly reported case. Active children and athletes, especially those who indulge in jumping activities, weightlifting, racket sports and gymnastics are more prone to bruised heel bone symptoms than others.

What Causes Bruising of the Heel Bone?

Bruising and pain are not surprising for the heel, as the sole of the foot bears the whole body weight and is subjected to pressure during standing, walking and running. Heel bruise or periostitis is significant, while an individual jumps and hits the ground on his/her feet with a strong force. The same thing happens while falling from heights and some cases of motor accidents. In such situations, the calcaneus and surrounding bones absorb the shock of landing on the hard surface. As a consequence, bruising and swelling occur in the heel bone.

Bruised Heel Bone Signs and Symptoms

As with any kind of bone bruise or contusion, a bruised heel results in extreme pain symptoms. However, heel pain may be caused due to various conditions. So, identify a bruised heel by holding the affected area gently, and pressing it lightly at the center with the thumb. If a sharp, excruciating pain is felt with increased pressure, then most likely it is a bruised heel problem. Pain is due to the forceful impact of the feet with a hard surface, which in turn causes minor fractures to the heel bone.

The pain intensity depends on what causes the bruised heel bone problems. Besides falling from heights and jumping, bruised heel may be associated with underlying conditions, like bursitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spur, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fracture and other heel bone deformities. Associated symptoms of a bruised heel are soreness and inflammation. Being overweight and wearing ill-fitting footwear contribute to heel bruise symptoms.

From the bruised heel bone symptoms, one can make out how severe the problem is. In general, bruising of the heel bone is not a serious case. The fractures caused by the trauma are so minor that they remain undetected during X-ray imaging test. On the brighter side, this orthopedic condition can be treated at home with simple remedies. The sooner it is treated and taken care of, the shorter will be the recovery time. Otherwise, severe inflammation of the fat pads is obvious, which takes longer time to heal.

How to Heal a Bruised Heel Bone?

Bruised heel bone treatment involves complete resting of the affected area. This is to encourage natural healing process of the calcaneus and promote quick recovery. Further pressurizing the heel exacerbates inflammation and lengthens the healing period. Using a support system during standing and walking is a conventional way to reduce pressure over the afflicted heel bone. Applying ice over the painful heel and compression therapy of the soft tissues in the area will give pain relief to some extent.

Wearing loose and comfortable footwear is suggested for managing heel pain. Sports shoes with even cushioning for the sole are better alternatives to other footwear options. If the pain symptoms of bruised heel still persist, using heel pads or shoe insert is suggested. These are worn along with shoes for shock absorption, and supporting the calcaneus and other tarsal bones of the foot. In addition, they give a protective effect to the fat pads too. With proper care, the bruised heel bone symptoms will subside gradually. Learn more on healing a bruise.

Complete recovery of a bruised heel bone can be achieved within 1-1½ months. But for some cases, it requires as long as 3 months. In case of persisting heel pain, getting help from an orthopedist is a prompt approach. The health specialist may deliver injections to soothe pain symptoms. If required electrotherapy sessions will be proceeded for healing a bruised heel.