Have You Fractured Your Heel in a Car Accident?

By Matthew Willens  Sep. 15, 2015 8:36a

One of the most common injuries suffered in a car accident are broken bones.

Broken bones and fractures are often caused by the impact of the crash or because of contact with hard objects inside or outside the car. An uncommon but painful injury suffered in a car accident is a heel fracture. The heel, also known as a calcaneus, is a bone that supports the foot and the whole body. An injury to the heel can have long-term effects.

Causes of a Heel Fracture

Fractures are often caused by a forceful impact. Bones are strong and for them to break it takes considerable force. Such force is often exerted by the impact of a car crash, fall from a height, or a sports injury.

Symptoms of a Heel Fracture

• significant pain in the heel
• swelling in the foot
• inability to put weight on the injured heel
• bruising in the heel
• sensitivity to touch (even a light one)

Heel Fracture Treatment

Treatment of a heel fracture is often difficult, because the fracture may leave the bone broken in multiple places, creating numerous small bone fragments. If the broken bone becomes displaced, doctors will often use a cast to correct it. The healing period is often long and the victim may have to rest for as long as three months without bearing any weight on the affected foot.

If a fracture fails to heal with a cast, then surgery might be the only option left. Doctors can use surgical hardware such as plates and screws to keep the broken pieces in place while they heal. Bone fusion may be required in more severe cases.

Complications

Making a full recovery from a heel fracture is difficult. Those who suffer a heel fracture may have to deal with constant discomfort and pain in the long term. The heel bone has to bear significant weight and pressure while walking and standing. People who suffer heel fractures often end up with arthritis in the calcaneus bone, which causes long-term pain and discomfort.

If you have fractured your heel in a car accident, you may have to miss work for an extended period of time and bear significant medical expenses. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, then you can claim your losses from the driver at fault. Consult with a few good lawyers in Chicago IL from Willens Law Offices.

Call (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.