ORIF Calcaneus

What is Calcaneus ORIF?

Calcaneus ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) is a surgical procedure used to repair and stabilise fractures of the heel bone.

During surgery:

• The bone is realigned (open reduction)
• Plates and screws are used to hold it in place (internal fixation)

This is required when fractures are:

• Displaced
• Involving joint surfaces
• Complex or unstable

Understanding the Calcaneus (Heel Bone)

The calcaneus:

• Is the largest bone in the foot
• Supports body weight during standing and walking
• Works closely with the talus and surrounding joints

Injuries to this bone can affect:

• Walking ability
• Balance and stability
• Overall foot mechanics

Types of Calcaneus Fractures

• Non-displaced → bone remains aligned
• Displaced → bone fragments shift
• Intra-articular → involves joint surface
• Extra-articular → outside the joint

Severe fractures (Types II–IV) typically require ORIF surgery.

How Do Calcaneus Fractures Happen?

Common causes include:

• Falls from height
• High-impact injuries
• Road accidents

People often describe:

• “heel pain after a fall”
• “cannot put weight on heel”
• “severe swelling in foot after injury”

Symptoms (Real-World Search Intent)

• Severe heel pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty or inability to walk
• Reduced movement in the foot
• Tenderness around the heel

Physiotherapy Before Surgery

Surgery is often delayed 5–14 days to allow swelling to reduce.

During this phase, physiotherapy at 👉 acephysiosport.com focuses on:

• Elevation to reduce swelling
• Ice therapy for pain relief
• Maintaining strength in other joints
• Safe movement and positioning
• Preventing stiffness

Symptoms After Calcaneus ORIF

After surgery, you may experience:

• Pain around the heel and incision site
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Reduced mobility

You will initially:

• Be non-weight-bearing
• Use crutches
• Wear a cast or protective support

Physiotherapy After Calcaneus ORIF

Physiotherapy is essential to restore walking ability, strength, and confidence.

At 👉 acephysiosport.com your rehab is structured in phases:

Weeks 0–6 (Protection Phase)

Focus: healing and gentle movement

• Non-weight-bearing with crutches
• Toe and gentle ankle movements
• Pain and swelling management
• Strengthening surrounding joints

Weeks 6–12 (Mobility Phase)

Focus: restoring movement and strength

• Seated stretching and strengthening
• Scar management and massage
• Improving flexibility
• Building endurance

Weeks 10–12 (Transition Phase)

Focus: partial weight-bearing

• Gradual weight transfer exercises
• Balance training
• Supported walking practice

Weeks 12–14+ (Functional Phase)

Focus: full recovery

• Full weight-bearing progression
• Gait retraining (walking pattern)
• Stair training and functional tasks
• Strength and balance exercises

Recovery & Long-Term Outcomes

With proper physiotherapy:

• Walking ability improves
• Strength and mobility return
• Risk of long-term stiffness reduces

Recovery timeline:

• 3–6 months depending on severity

Without rehabilitation:

• Chronic pain and stiffness
• Poor walking mechanics
• Reduced function

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports in Singapore

If you are looking for calcaneus ORIF physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help.

• Expertise in foot and ankle rehabilitation
• Personalised recovery programmes
• Focus on restoring full walking ability
• Evidence-based physiotherapy care
• Conveniently located near East Coast Road

We help you return to pain-free walking and daily activities.

Book Appointment

If you have undergone heel (calcaneus) ORIF surgery, early physiotherapy is key to recovery.

Book your session now: 👉 acephysiosport.com 📞 +65 81535374

Start your recovery with expert physiotherapy in Singapore.