The heel bone, or calcaneus, is the largest bone of the foot that is located below the ankle. It extends toward the back of the foot and is responsible for bearing the full weight of the body. This bone connects the calf muscles to the foot and provides structural support. The calcaneus makes contact with the ground with every footstep when walking or running. When a fracture of the heel bone occurs, it may be painful and disabling for the patient. That is because calcaneal fractures are often severe in nature as the bone may collapse and break into fragments given its interior spongy bone structure and hard exterior shell.

If you have suffered a broken heel bone in an accident, it is recommended that you contact an experienced calcaneus fracture lawyer to discuss your case in detail. Get started today by calling (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice on your case from one of our skilled attorneys.

In the aftermath of the challenges that may arise after an accident resulting in a broken heel bone, it is comforting to have someone on your side that you can trust to guide you through the personal injury claims process. Understanding your rights and options for recovery under California law is the best way to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company. Based in Northern California, AutoAccident.com is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping those who have been injured in accidents recover the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. We have helped clients with bone fracture cases for over three decades, and we are available anytime to help you with yours.

A fracture of the calcaneus often occurs during a high-energy event that results in the axial loading of the bone. However, it may also be sustained with any injury to the ankle and foot. Motor vehicle collisions and falls from heights are the top mechanisms of injury. Conversely, shearing or twisting events, penetrating or blunt trauma, and jumps onto hard surfaces may also result in this type of injury. Most cases involve a shortening, widening, and flattening of the bone. Repetitive use has also been found to cause stress fractures, and this may occur in the form of running and other physical activities.

The common signs and symptoms of a calcaneal fracture may include but are not limited to:

• Bruising, swelling, pain, or heel deformity
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the heel

Calcaneus fracture cases characterized as minor may involve pain that may cause a patient to limp but not prevent them from walking. This may occur because the Achilles tendon is responsible for supporting body weight on the calcaneus. If there is a deformity of the heel bone, there may not be enough power generated to support the weight of the body by the tendon and muscle. When this occurs, it may feel as though the ankle and foot are unstable, resulting in unusual walking patterns.

After a physician has discussed the patient’s medical history and symptoms, a physical examination will be performed. This includes an evaluation of the ankle and foot to determine whether the skin was punctured or damaged from the trauma and check to see if the patient experiences sensation at the bottom of the foot and if they are able to move the toes. The physician will also examine the toes and foot to ensure that there is sufficient blood supply by checking the pedal pulses. Other parts of the body will also be evaluated for injuries, such as the spine, pelvis, and areas of the injured leg and those of the other leg.

The diagnosis of a broken calcaneus will be confirmed through imaging techniques. These may include computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays. To visualize dense structures like the bone, X-rays utilize invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images on digital media or film. They may demonstrate whether there is a break in the calcaneus and if there is any displacement in the bone. After the diagnosis of a fractured heel bone on an X-ray, a physician may order a CT scan. These are useful for a more detailed image of the bone and tissue surrounding it. The information from a CT scan will help a physician better understand the severity of the trauma and determine an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Several factors are involved in the planning of treatment. This includes the cause of the calcaneal fracture, the severity of the break in the heel bone, the extent of damage to the soft tissue surrounding the affected area, and the patient’s overall health. Since most broken calcaneus cases involve the shortening and widening of the bone, restoring the normal anatomy of the heel bone is the goal of medical treatment. Studies have found that better outcomes were reported in those cases where restorative heel anatomy is accomplished. Attaining that often requires surgical intervention. A physician will discuss the various treatment options available for a patient presenting with a fractured heel bone.

Non-surgical management may be recommended for cases that do not involve a displacement of the heel bone by the force of the trauma. A brace, splint, or cast may be utilized to immobilize the bones in the foot in the proper position during the healing process. Patients generally wear casts for 6-8 weeks, but they may be worn longer depending on the factors involved. During immobilization, the patient cannot bear weight on the foot until a full recovery of the bone is attained. Complications from non-surgical treatment may include a limp, arthritis, and pain.

Surgical intervention may be recommended in cases where the bones have been displaced or shifted out of position. Surgical treatment for the repair of a broken heel bone is intended to restore the normal anatomy of the bone. However, complications may arise with surgery like nerve damage, infection, and issues in the wound healing process. An orthopedic surgeon may perform open reduction and internal fixation to reduce the bones into their proper alignment, where they are held together with screws and metal plates or wires. Conversely, percutaneous screw fixation may also be performed to place the bone pieces back into place if they are large to avoid making a big incision. To hold the fracture in place, the orthopedic surgeon may insert special screws through small incisions.

Some broken calcaneus bone cases may be treated without surgery. The healing process may take 3-4 months with non-surgical management or surgical intervention. If surgery is not necessary, there will be a period where there are limitations on weight-bearing and movement.

Complications may occur with calcaneal fractures. Major complications may include posttraumatic arthritis with surgical intervention or without it, infection, and wound healing issues. Minor complications may include chronic pain or swelling, stiffness in the joints, irritation in the tendons, temporary or small areas of delayed healing of the wound, and irritation of the nerves around the incision. After a calcaneus fracture, it is essential for a patient to inform their physician if they smoke. This is because the wound and the bone healing process may be impacted by smoking. If a patient is a smoker, it may take longer for their bone to heal with non-surgical management or surgical treatment.

The actions taken in the aftermath of an accident may have a considerable impact on the outcome of a personal injury case for a broken heel bone. Therefore, it is essential to follow these steps:

• Contact Law Enforcement Immediately: When a crash resulting in serious injury occurs, it is crucial to have police at the scene to prepare a traffic incident report. Remember that stories change with time, so you want to have all the facts of the incident documented by authorities immediately. A police report will be an essential form of evidence when it comes to proving liability and damages. Officials may also conduct interviews with eyewitnesses to the collision, which may also help strengthen your injury case.
• Collect Information: It is a good idea to gather the other party’s contact information, driver’s license number, insurance policy details, and vehicle license plate number after a car wreck. If there were eyewitnesses to the traffic collision, also be sure to take down their contact information for future use if necessary.
• Gather Evidence: Images of the scene of the motor vehicle collision may help prove the severity of the incident and how the accident took place. Be sure to take photos of any physical injuries you have suffered after the incident. The more evidence you have, the stronger your bodily injury claim may be.
• Seek Medical Attention: After a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance. Failure to get treated right away may harm your credibility and case in the long run. That is because the insurance carrier and defense counsel may say that you are not as badly injured as you claim to be because of delayed medical care. Remember that gaps in treatment may also affect your case, so be sure to keep up with all your doctor’s appointments.
• Do Not Agree to Recorded Statements: One of the common tactics that insurance companies often use after a motor vehicle collision is to request a recorded statement from the injured party. Keep in mind that these may be used against the claimant later in the process. Conversely, insurers may also act quickly to make a quick settlement offer in hopes of the injured party accepting without realizing the true extent of damages resulting from their broken heel bone. A skilled calcaneal fracture attorney will advise their client on the best way to proceed when starting the personal injury claims process.
• Consult an Experienced Attorney: Before starting an accident claim, it is best to discuss your case with a skilled calcaneus fracture lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your rights as an injured party and discuss some of the options that may be available to you for financial recovery. Should you decide to retain legal counsel, you can rest assured knowing that communications and negotiations with the insurance company will be handled by your injury lawyer on your behalf. Your attorney will also make sure that all time limits are met accordingly, including the general two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases and six-month deadlines for those claims involving government entities.

There are so many personal injury lawyers in California to choose from, but few are committed to their clients’ goals and financial security. When searching for the best accident attorney to handle your broken heel bone case, it pays to work with a lawyer who has a history of successful verdicts and settlements in addition to satisfied client reviews. For additional information on how to choose a top attorney in your area to represent you, watch this video.

A broken heel bone may be a painful and debilitating injury with lasting effects on function and comfort. When the calcaneus fracture occurred in an accident caused by the negligence of another party or entity, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and more. Working with an experienced calcaneal fracture lawyer at AutoAccident.com can provide your case with the best chance for a successful resolution.

At our personal injury law firm, we have worked hard to secure fair compensation on behalf of our clients since 1982. Remember that there is a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in California, so do not delay learning about your rights and options for recovery from those responsible for your damages. Our accident attorneys are here to go over the details of your bone fracture case and provide free, friendly advice. Call now to get started at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

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