What is the function of Calcaneus bone?

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The word Calcaneus is derived from the Latin word calcaneum meaning heel. Hence Calcaneus refers to the heel bone. The Calcaneus bone is the largest tarsal bone and is located in the lower and rear part of the foot. It is irregular in shape and has 6 surfaces, each surface extending into different critical ligaments and muscles of the feet. There are an alarming number of cases of calcaneal fracture, Calcaneus spur and heel pain owing to lifestyle, accidents, trauma, obesity and improper walking.

What is the function of the Calcaneus bone?

Since the Calcaneus bone is located at the rear portion of the foot (also called as heel), it is most vital in bearing the weight of the body as we stand on our feet, supporting the leg and helping in easy walking. It acts as a joint between the ankle and the foot and also as the source for various muscle joints and nerves. Other functions like rotating and bending the feet are possible due to the joint present on the Calcaneus bone. Until all the joints and tendons leading to the Calcaneus are functioning well, there is no problem in walking, standing or other functions of the foot. The tendon which is a band of tissues connecting the muscles and bones forms the crux of normal operations of the organs of the body. Example: The Achilles tendon, Calcaneus You do not have access to view this node.

What is the physical structure of the Calcaneus bone?

The Calcaneus bone is the largest bone of the foot and is located at the lower and rear part of the foot linking the ankle to the feet. The Calcaneus bone is irregularly shaped and has 6 important surfaces. Each surface extends into an important part of the foot, ankle and heel and thus every bit of the Calcaneus bone needs to be in perfect condition for us to walk properly. The surfaces of the Calcaneus bone are the superior surface, the posterior articular surface, the middle articular surface, the anterior articular surface, the inferior surface and the lateral surface. The Calcaneus bone connects two bones namely the talus and cuboid which essentially mean the ankle bone and the body of the feet.

What are the various problems that can affect the Calcaneus bone?

The Calcaneus bone is a very sensitive bone and since it extends into muscles, ligaments and joints of the foot, any small accident or pressure can lead to damage in its surfaces and can lead to fracture, pain or tear. Further more another common problem seen is the calcaneal spur. The calcaneal spur problem is observed in people who exert more pressure on their heel bone or sole of the feet. This causes a small bone growth on the Calcaneus You do not have access to view this node. This is a very painful situation and can result in the patient not able to even lift small weights or do daily duties properly due to restricted and painful movement while walking. This sharp pain is usually observed not only in people who are athletes or people with stand-up jobs but also in overweight people and middle aged people whose feet have kind of worn out.

What are the solutions to reduce pain in Calcaneus bone?

• Rest, painkillers and light massages also help reduce the pain to a great extent but in overweight people, the doctor may prescribe weight reduction as the only way to cure calcaneal spur.
• Other solutions include injections and also in some cases operation. Likewise heel pain is also a common complaint among people especially women who wear heels or simply stand for long periods of time on bare feet. Such problems are also cured with proper rest, medication and permanent relief methods like weight loss, regular exercises and light massages. However, unless an orthopedician is consulted for problems arising in the Calcaneus You do not have access to view this node, self medication should never be done and the problem itself should not be ignored.
• Apart from these two problems, calcaneal fracture and ligament tear are also very widely seen health issues. Fracture occurs when any accident or pressure gets applied on the sensitive tissue bands surrounding the calcaneal bone and they give way for distortion or tearing of the ligament. Such cases are treated with You do not have access to view this node, medication, dressing and rest.
  
   

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