There's Nothing to Like about a Love Fracture

A love fracture sounds like something that would happen to a high schooler in the midst of a first romance‚ something that Hollywood might make a movie about. In reality, a love fracture is a painful break of the calcaneus, your heel bone.

Unlike a broken toe or a fractured metatarsal in the front of the foot, a painful love fracture doesn't happen from a simple bump or fall. This injury is typically the result of a high-impact and high-energy accident where other parts of the body are also injured, such as a fall from height or a motor vehicle collision. Love fractures are dangerous injuries that can result in long-term mobility issues. They should be diagnosed and treated by a specialist - your podiatrist - as quickly as possible.

There are several kinds of fractures that doctors diagnose at the heel bone or anywhere else in the body:

A stable fracture is one in which the broken ends of bones remain aligned and in place at the time of the fracture and through healing.

In a closed fracture, broken bones don't go through the skin but they may cause damage to internal soft tissues.

An injury where bones are broken into multiple pieces is a comminuted fracture.

An open fracture is an injury where broken bones break the skin and damage adjacent muscles and ligaments.

When the broken ends of bones do not remain in place, this is a displaced fracture. Typically, this kind of break requires surgery.

If you sustain a calcaneal fracture, treatment with immobilization in a cast or boot and physical therapy are likely, regardless of the degree of severity. Hospitalization and surgery are real possibilities.

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.