Though most heel pain results from inflammation of tissues surrounding the calcaneus (e.g., tendons, bursae, and fasciae), injuries causing calcaneal fracture can occur. The most common calcaneal fractures are intraarticular, meaning that one or more fractures extend into the articulation surface of a bone and damage a joint. The most common joint affected is the subtalar joint, and it results from a large axial load increase on the calcaneus, such as when a person lands after a jump or falls from a tall height. As the load transfers from the talus to the calcaneus, the calcaneus can be crushed, causing a comminuted fracture by breaking the bone into several small pieces. This type of calcaneal fracture is often severe, usually results in great pain for the individual, and often requires surgical repair. Before surgery, the foot and ankle can be immobilized with a pressure dressing. Even after withholding weight bearing for 8-12 weeks post-operatively, one may experience chronic pain with weight bearing, inversion, and eversion due to long-term arthritis in the affected joint. Complications that may occur from intraarticular fractures include swelling, severe pain, acute compartment syndrome, and fracture blisters. Extraarticular fractures, or fractures that do not extend into a joint, are a less common type of calcaneal fracture. These fractures typically result from falls or twisting of the joints. They include fractures limited to the bone tissue, such as within the bone body, at one of the bone’s processes, or avulsion fractures at tendon or ligament attachment sites. An avulsion fracture occurs when a force applied along a tendon or ligament pulls a small piece of bone away from its surface. Initial treatment of extraarticular fractures typically includes a compression dressing, rest, application of ice, elevation, and avoiding any weight bearing on the affected foot. Some extraarticular fractures require a walking boot or cast for four to six weeks, while others may take eight to ten weeks to heal. After cast or boot removal, ankle range of motion exercises at home with increasing weight bearing can help the individual return to usual activity. Additional physical therapy may be necessary for some individuals. Finally, stress fractures of the calcaneus occur with repeated loading over time or a recent increase in activity level, such as when runners train on hard surfaces. Treatment of stress fractures can range from reducing activity and wearing heel inserts for minor cases to using crutches and avoiding weight bearing for more severe cases.