It is one of thetarsals, the bones that make up part of the foot and ankle.
The calcaneus strikes the ground with every footfall when running or walking.
Anatomy
The calcaneus is one of seven tarsal bones that make up the foot.
Javier Snchez Mingorance / EyeEm / Getty Images
All of the tarsals are considered short bones.
The calcaneus is the largest of all the tarsals and the largest bone in the foot.
The calcaneus is primarily made up of trabecular bone (spongy bone).
The density of the trabecular bone in the calcaneus is directly related to its strength.
The posterior (back) portionis the heel.
The middle surface of the posterior portion of the calcaneus is the insertion point of the calcaneal tendon.
The most superior portionof the calcaneus connects to a tarsal bone, called thetalus, above it.
The entire anterior (front) surfaceof the calcaneus articulates with the cuboid bone, another tarsal bone.
This apophysis solidifies, or fuses, around 15 years of age.
In some females, it doesn’t solidify until 18 years old.
This location allows the calcaneus to act as a fulcrum point for flexion and extension of the foot.
Extension is what happens when you’re pushing on the gas pedal.
Anatomical Variations
There are several anatomical variations of the calcaneus that can be seen on medical images.
Function
The calcaneus provides one point of a solid tripedal surface for the foot.
It also provides a fulcrum for extension and flexion of the foot.
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body.
It is the common tendon for thegastrocnemius (calf) muscle.
The body is able to do that using just one of the two Achilles tendons.
Associated Conditions
Obviously, direct trauma to the calcaneus will be a cause of pain.
Heel painis a common symptom associated with the calcaneus.
There are several causes of heel pain.
Calcaneal Apophysitis
Calcaneal apophysitis is the most common cause of heel pain in children.
It is an inflammation of the calcaneal apophysis that is likely due to repetitive strikes from running or jumping.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitisis the most common cause of heel and foot pain in adults.
The plantar fascia tendon helps hold the shape of the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot.
This common tendonitis occurs frequently in runners and can be hard to remedy.
Stress Fractures
Repetitively striking the heel can lead to the development ofstress fracturesin the calcaneus.
These are often minor cracks that cause pain in the foot.
There are two major tendon insertion points on the calcaneus: the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia tendon.
Achilles tendon ruptures are common, but avulsion fractures are not.
SimpleAchilles tendon rupturescause pain in the ankle or calf more than in the heel.
Rehabilitation
Calcaneus injury treatment depends on the punch in and severity of the injury.
In general, your healthcare provider may give a shot to use conservative, nonsurgical treatment first.
If that doesn’t work, surgery might be necessary to correct an injury.
Rehabilitation depends on the severity of the injury and on the choice of treatment.
With proper guidance on technique, many patients can treat plantar fasciitis at home.
There’s not a clear winner between these two methods.
This is the most common punch in of treatment for patients with stress fractures of the calcaneus.
In the case of severe trauma and complete fractures with displacement, it is often necessary for surgical repair.
Once the surgery is done, the patient will still be required to keep pressure off of the heel.
A heel, or calcaneus, fracture affects the large bone at the back of the foot.
These fractures are most often sparked by a fall from a significant height or a car accident.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
This tendon can tear, causing significant pain and sometimes an inability to walk or move your foot.
Tears can be brought on by weak muscles, sudden movements, and overuse.
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