Question
I jumped off of a stair last night and landed hard on my heel, at the time i thought i had sprained my ankel but this morning when i awoke my heel was killing me. I cannot put any weight on it or the pain is unbearable. There doesn't appear to be any swelling or bruising but when i put weight on it it really hurts. I thought that it might be either a bruised bone or a broken bone how could i tell?

Answer
Hi Cliff,

A broken heel bone can be very serious.  It is important that you see a Podiatrist ASAP and get an x-ray.  

You may have torn the band on the bottom of the foot known as the plantar fascia.  There are also many tendons and muscles that may be injured.

You may also require an MRI to evaluate for any soft tissue damage.  In the meantime, I would get some crutches and stay off of the foot.  Ice the area and wrap with an Ace wrap.

Please have this evaluated today.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry

www.thetampapodiatrist.com

www.tampacryosurgery.com

www.fix-my-foot.com