The heel bone or calcaneus may suffer a very small fracture as a result of repetitive strain.  This is most likely to occur amongst:

• Individuals involved in high impact sports (running, jumping and dancing) – especially when Inadequate footwear is worn
• Runners who rapidly increase training levels – onset of symptoms maybe a few weeks after increasing training levels
• Individuals who walk excessively
• Individuals with an eating disorder
• Individuals who have rapidly gained weight
• Individuals who have changed their footwear

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of heel pain that is usually deep and nagging in character
• Pain aggravated by weight bearing
• Pain may occur at night
• Swelling possible

What you can do

• Rest completely for 6-8 weeks (crutches can aid recovery rates).

What we can do

• Perform special tests to confirm diagnosis
• Prescribe heal pad to reduce stress on area
• Improve biomechanics of foot and lower leg to reduce stresses on injury

Further treatment options

• X-ray can confirm diagnosis but stress fracture does not always show up (fracture may show up after 2-3 weeks once fracture has started to heal) – MRI more useful