Rehabilitation after a fracture of the calcaneus

A heel fracture involves a long stay of the limb in a stationary state. During the period when the heel of gypsum is found, the functions of not only it, but also the entire limb as a whole, are lost. There is a violation of blood circulation, muscle atrophy, which worsens the nutrition of the diseased limb.

To restore lost functions, the patient needs to undergo a rehabilitation period after the main treatment. It can be quite long, depending on the severity of the fracture. To eliminate all the negative consequences of limb inactivity, the doctor prescribes an individual rehabilitation program for each patient.

Features of rehabilitation

The heel bone is the largest part of the skeleton of the foot. It is under constant pressure from the entire body mass. A failed jump, injury, or accident can cause a fracture, which may be accompanied by displacement, or a heel fracture without displacement.

Rehabilitation measures are always needed. Their effectiveness depends on the age of the patient, the characteristics of the organism and his desire. In case of improper rehabilitation, there is a risk of developing the following complications:

• flat feet, hallux valgus;
• metatarsal deformity;
• the formation of bone growths;
• cartilage degeneration;
• impaired functioning of the limb;
• arthritis, arthrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• chronic pain syndrome.

Prolonged pain syndrome, especially in elderly patients, can cause lameness.

To avoid the development of such complications, it is necessary to fulfill all doctor's prescriptions during the rehabilitation period.

It is especially important to carry out rehabilitation for a fracture with a displacement, since in this case the immobilization of the limb is at least three months.

Heel fracture rehabilitation includes the following procedures:

1. Massage.
2. exercise therapy.
3. Physiotherapy.
4. special diet.
5. Baths.
6. Taking medication.
7. Wearing special shoes.

Rehabilitation after a fracture of the calcaneus must be carried out in a complex manner, all methods must be combined. This will restore the motor abilities of the limb. Patients, even after removing the cast, have a minimal load on the injured limb. However, it must be gradually developed and increased in load.

Healing time

Healing time depends on the type of injury. With a simple fracture without complications, the plaster is removed after 6 weeks.

In case of a fracture with a displacement, the duration of being in a cast can take up to three months. If the fracture is splintered, then the plaster is removed no earlier than after 5 months.

If long-term treatment is necessary, then after removing the plaster, a special fixation device is installed.

When can you stand up?

You can step on the heel only with the permission of the doctor. The situation is complicated by fragmentation fractures, in which the fragments are collected in one place. Stepping on the foot with a fracture is usually allowed after 3 weeks. If the fracture is splintered and with displacement, then in this case it is possible to attack no earlier than after 3 months.

Wearing an orthosis

To speed up recovery, it is recommended to wear orthoses. This is a special device that allows you to distribute the load evenly on the leg. They are sold unassembled. They are collected by a specialist, individually for each patient. When used, a “muscle pump” works, which prevents the development of congestion.

Massage

Massage actions with a plaster cast are carried out on the free parts of the leg. This accelerates the healing of the fracture and normalizes muscle tone. After removing the plaster cast, massage is carried out on the entire limb. To increase efficiency during the massage, you can use warming balms. Also at home, you can carry out hydromassage using an ordinary shower. To do this, alternate warm water with cold.

exercise therapy

After the plaster is put in, the rest of the affected limb should be ensured for a week.

In the second week after the injury, it is recommended to move the toes to maintain motor functions. You can’t stand on your foot, but moving your fingers can improve blood circulation.

From 2 to 4 weeks, the foot is fixed and you can make movements. You can carry out flexion and extension movements in the knee joint, as well as rotation.

After 4 weeks, with an uncomplicated fracture, you can slightly step on the leg in a cast. You need to move around with crutches.

After removing the cast, the main exercise to restore motor function is walking with a gradual load.

In the first months after the removal of the plaster, it is recommended to wear orthopedic insoles. Walking can be painful at first. However, this is not a contraindication for walking. It is necessary to continue classes and, at best, walk 5-6 km a day.

Physiotherapy

Specific physiotherapy procedures are prescribed by a specialist, based on the characteristics of the patient. The most effective for a heel fracture are:

1. ESWT - during the procedure, the waves reach the bone and muscle tissue, which reduces pain and improves metabolic processes. The procedure is safe for humans.
2. Laser therapy - improves tissue regeneration, which allows cells to renew themselves faster. There is a resorption of inflamed areas and swelling.
3. Electrophoresis - the procedure is carried out with Novocaine daily or every other day. Course 10-15 procedures. Between the electrode and the skin is placed gauze moistened with Novocain.
4. Ultrasound - the required area is heated up to 2 degrees with the help of ultrasound. If necessary, the surface is lubricated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The procedure helps to accelerate tissue regeneration, eliminate pain and improve metabolic processes.
5. UHF - several electrodes are located at a distance of 1-2 cm from each other. Penetrating magnetic waves have a healing effect.
6. Mud therapy - therapeutic mud contains a large number of trace elements that promote healing. Therapeutic mud is applied to the sore spot in a warm form, and is also used during electrophoresis.

These procedures speed up the healing process after a heel fracture.

Diet

During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to follow a special diet, which involves the use of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium improves bone tissue regeneration, and vitamin D promotes its absorption.

You need to include the following foods in your diet:

• dairy products;
• fish and seafood;
• sesame, hazelnuts;
• fruits and vegetables;
• aspic.

Jellied meat is best prepared from poultry or beef. The product well promotes bone tissue regeneration, and also prevents the development of osteoporosis.

Rehabilitation at home

There are several folk methods that can improve the condition during rehabilitation at home.

1. Cedar or fir oil is rubbed into the affected area, and then a massage is performed. Start with rubbing movements and gradually move to kneading. 10-15 procedures are required.
2. Foot baths can also bring a positive effect. For 3 liters of water, with a temperature of 38-40 degrees, add 300 g of sea salt and 15 drops of sage. Spend 20 minutes daily. Course 10-15 procedures.
3. 2 tbsp. l. honey and 1 tsp. salts are mixed and compresses are carried out with the resulting composition on the diseased area.

Before using such procedures, you should consult your doctor.

Thus, properly conducted rehabilitation after a heel fracture allows you to restore the motor activity of the limb. It is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor in order to avoid the development of complications. The use of folk methods should be carried out only with the permission of a doctor, so as not to harm health.

Video: Therapeutic gymnastics