Does X-ray show signs of fracture?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like an opinion on my X-ray if it shows any signs of a stress fracture in the heel. I took up running and increased it too fast.

It hurts to walk on the sides of the heel. Pressing on either side of the heel hurts a lot. There is swelling but no bruising.

The swelling is decreasing now but the pain is not. I want to know what I am dealing with. I cannot see the GP for another week or so.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have viewed your X-rays (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and there is no feature to suggest a stress fracture in the calcaneum bone and bones in the heel area.

It is possible that you have a soft tissue or tendon abnormality which can cause you the pain in the heel area.

If there is no significant improvement in the pain over the coming week, then you can discuss an MRI ankle joint scan to know about the soft tissues or any subtle bone edema in the calcaneum. This information is not available in the X-ray picture.

Since your doctor is not available for a week, I suggest you decrease your running and apply a muscle relaxant spray or ointment over the hurting area. You can also apply an ice pack to decrease any inflammation in the area.

For more information consult a radiologist online