Selin Sakarcan: Everything You Need to Know About a Bruised Heel

Selin Sakarcan on Injuring the Heel and Treatment Options

Among all the bones in the foot, the heel, also called calcaneus, bears the brunt of a person's weight when doing physical activities, such as walking, running, and jumping. For this reason, it is the most prone to sustaining an injury, explains podiatric physician Selin Sakarcan.

Repeated trauma to the heel or even a single incident of excessive force directed to the area can result in a bruised heel or fat pad contusion. Such injuries are generally restricted to the bone's surrounding tissue in mild to moderate cases. According to podiatrist Selin Sakarcan, severe cases can involve a deep bone bruise or calcaneal stress fracture.

There are several risk factors that make heel-related injuries more common, such as inadequate footwear. It is crucial for people who are frequently on the move to wear shoes that provide sufficient shock absorption to protect the heel from excessive stress and strain. Other factors that increase the risk of injury include weight and age.

One primary symptom of calcaneal injury is recurring pain when the heel is pressed. The pain is said not to be as severe as that caused by plantar fasciitis. In addition, most cases of a fat pad contusion involve a red or purple bruise that can be seen on the outside of the heel.

Treatment for a bruised heel is only performed after the possibility of a bone fracture or permanent damage to the heel pad have been ruled out. Most doctors like Selin Sakarcan recommend a treatment option using the R.I.C.E. principle, which comprises the following:

• Rest (weight should be kept off the bruised heel as much as possible)

• Ice (cold compress is applied to the injured area to reduce inflammation and swelling)

• Compression (the heel is taped up to prevent further injury)

• Elevation (when lying down, the heel should be propped up at a level above the heart to decrease swelling and pain)

Do you have a friend who might be suffering from a bruised heel? Share this article to help them out. Follow this Selin Sakarcan blog to read more about foot health or foot care.