Seeking advice on shattered heel - Foot Problems Message Board

tismedt · 07-04-2004, 12:26 PM

Hello, I recently (10 days ago) fell 8 feet at work and shattered my right heel (calcanous) into 7 peices and pulverized some parts to bits. I was first seen by a general practitioner who refered me to a podiatrist for treatment. After doing some research I'm begginning to understand the seriousness of this injury. The specialist I'm seeing sees no advantage in having surgery at this point so I'm laying here in pain waiting for the healing process. I'm posting this to try and get some opinions from others who have suffered this injury. My main concern is wether or not I'll be able to return to work. I work as a structural steel Ironworker. You know the guys who build skyscrapers walking on the beams. With that said you can see how important it is for me to have good feet and legs. Aslo what kind of time frame am I looking at for the healing process. 6 months? a yr? more? Will I be able to walk normally again? Luckily I was working on a bridge pier at the time of the accident so I will be covered under the longshoreman/Harbor Workers workmans comp so I don't have to worry much about finances but if the healing takes more then a yr I will lose my medical coverage for my family and that is not a good thing. I'm getting pretty concerned about this injury so any information you can give me is much appreciated.

Thanks

Tis

StephanieVD · 07-04-2004, 03:49 PM

I have never broken my calcaneus, but after doing way too much research on them from an osteotomy I had they are very complicated fractures. I personally would get a second opinion with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in feet and ankles.. or even another well known podiatrist maybe (I personally have never seen a podiatrist). But with the kind of work you do I would get another opinion. Just my 2 cents obviously. But from what my surgeon has told me there are many complications that are involved in the type of fracture you are describing. The only reason why I read up on calcaneal fractures is because that is what my ortho specializes in and I was finding articles and his qualifications before I continued treatment. Find the best doc you can and go from there.. I don't know what workmans comp covers and all, but good luck. I hope you heal as fast as possible.. good luck.

tismedt · 07-05-2004, 03:23 PM

thanks for the reply. The specialist I'm seeing now is a OS/sports medicine Dr. Also I'm working with my health care provider to get a second opinion. Should be some time this week.
Yesterday (July 4th) was pretty tough. We hold a annual 4th party at my house so I had to make appearances throughout the day to say hi to our guests. I went through a lot of pain doing that but I wanted to get out of bed for a while anyway. After about 30 mins I was back on my back with foot up

it was a long day to say the least. Anyway I'll keep checking this thread for any other information others may offer here as well as updating my condition

Thanks

Tis

tchair · 07-06-2004, 04:52 AM

Hi tis,

Eight years ago I spent the 4th getting my heel screwed back together. You'll find some fairly recent posts if you use the search feature on the top of the "foot problems" page and put in: fractured calcaneous. It's not unusual to skip the surgery. I think the two reasons they do go in are when the bones are way out of place and when the arch gets completely flattened and has to be rebuilt. So that puts you in the luckier group. My understanding (and experience) is that the most common long-term problem is with uneven surfaces. So as long as they're putting up those skyscrapers level....
You are going to have to be very patient. When you start walking again it will hurt from the injury and from your down time. Based on my own experience, I always suggest that people get as rigorous an exercise plan as possible from their docs or physical therapist to keep the circulation and muscle tone up. I wish the healing process were even close to a broken leg. But you have to take into account that feet don't get the circulation that you leg does, they have a lot of moving parts and supporting your weight, walking, and balancing put a lot of demand on them. So recovery takes a long time. My guess would be closer to a year, but feel free to prove me wrong!

mwagner · 07-07-2004, 04:39 PM

Tis and all - I am still suffering from a right broken calcaneous on Sep 6, 2003. My doctor (orthopedic surgeon specializing in feet) implanted a plate and 10 screws. I had pain while walking, which increased over time. A month ago Doc removed hardware and said my injury also caused 30% carteledge loss on the subtaler joint. This means continued pain (orthoarthritis?) while walking. Doc ordered me an athletic ankle brace to stabilize the foot while active. It is uncomfortable, but helps a little. Also consider getting high-top lace up boots - that may work better.

Doc recommends a sub taler joint fusion if pain persists for next few months.

At least a year for recovery is a good estimate. You WILL recover - but get another opinion on the surgery!!!

Also - does ANYONE know anything about glucosomine pills for aleiving arthritis pain (subtaler joint)??

Thanks,

Matt