Calcaneal Fracture TTWB

Patient Information Leaflet

Healing

• This is a break to your heel bone.
• It can take up to 6-12 weeks for this fracture to heal.
• Smoking will slow down your healing.
• We advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and swelling

• You may have foot pain and swelling for 3-6 months after your injury.
• Swelling is often worse at the end of the day.
• Taking pain medication, raising your foot and using ice or cold packs will help.
• More information about this can be found later on in this leaflet.

Walking and your boot

• You are only allowed to touch your foot on the floor for balance.
• You should not put weight through your foot; it should rest lightly on the floor only.
• You will need crutches to help you walk.
• The boot protects your foot and will make you more comfortable.
• Wear the boot when you are standing and walking.
• You can take it off at night and when you are resting.
• You need to wear the boot for at least six weeks after your injury.
• Please tell us if you are diabetic as you may need a specialist boot.

Exercises

• It is important to start exercises as soon as possible. Instructions are on the next page.

Follow up

• You will receive a follow up appointment in the Fracture Clinic to see a specialist about six weeks after your injury.
• Contact us if you have not received your appointment letter within one week.

Any questions?

• If you are worried about your symptoms, cannot follow this rehabilitation plan, or have pain somewhere other than your injury, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team..

Caring for your injury: Week 1-6

Remember to wear your boot whenever standing and walking. You should only rest your foot on the floor lightly.

• You can remove the boot when you are resting, at night and to wash and dress.
• Wear a long sock in your boot.
• You will be told when to stop wearing the boot at your follow up appointment.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling.

• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your foot for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
• Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.

Try to rest your foot, especially in the first 24-72 hours.

• Raise your foot on a stool or cushions to that it is above the level of your hip.
• This will help to reduce your swelling.

Exercises

• Moving your ankle and foot early is important.
• It helps your blood flow and lowers the risk of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis).
• Do these exercises three to four times a day. Start straight away, you do not need to push into pain.

1. Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction. Repeat this 10 times.

2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn the foot outwards. Repeat this 10 times. Do this movement gently within comfort.

3. Point your foot up and down. Repeat this 10 times.

Caring for your injury: Week 6-12

You will be told when to stop using your boot at your appointment.

• It is normal to still have mild discomfort and swelling.
• This may continue for 6-12 months.

Activity and Exercise

• Keep doing your exercises until you have recovered full movement.
• When your specialist allows, gradually increase your level of activity.
• You should avoid impact activity for 3 months. This includes running, jumping and dancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am struggling with my boot. What do I do?

• The boot has a thicker sole; this can make you feel uneven.
• We would recommend choosing a supportive shoe or trainer with a firm sole for your uninjured foot.
• If you are struggling to stop using your boot, please contact us.
• If you need more advice, contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am diabetic, does this change things?

• If you are diabetic, please contact us to discuss your boot.
• This is particularly important if you have problems with your skin.
• We may provide you with a specialist diabetic boot.

When can I start driving?

• You can return to driving when:
  • You are no longer using your boot,
  • You can walk comfortably
  • You can perform an emergency stop pain free.
  • Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP.

What do I do with my boot and crutches when I no longer need them?

• We cannot reuse boots, so please do not return them to the hospital.
• You can return crutches to the Fracture Clinic or A&E.

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.

Contact our service

The Virtual Fracture Clinic
Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
or email whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net