Calcaneus facts for kids
| Bone: Calcaneus | ||
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| The calcaneus forms the bony part of the heel. It forms a joint with the talus bone, the subtalar joint. | ||
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| Bones of the foot, with the calcaneus shown in red | ||
| Latin | Calcaneus, Calcaneum, Os calcis | |
The calcaneus is a very important bone in your foot. You might know it better as your heel bone! It's the biggest bone in your foot and plays a huge role in how you stand, walk, and run. The word "calcaneus" comes from the Latin word calcaneum, which simply means "heel".
Contents
What is the Calcaneus?
The calcaneus is a strong, irregularly shaped bone found at the back of your foot. It's part of a group of seven bones called the tarsal bones. These bones work together to form the ankle and upper part of the foot.
Where is it Located?
Your calcaneus is located right at the very back of your foot, forming the main part of your heel. It sits below another important foot bone called the talus. These two bones connect to form a special joint called the subtalar joint. This joint helps your foot move from side to side, which is super useful when you walk on uneven ground.
What Does the Calcaneus Do?
The calcaneus has several big jobs:
- Supporting your weight: When you stand, walk, or run, the calcaneus is one of the first bones to hit the ground. It helps to carry and spread out your body's weight.
- Giving your foot shape: It forms the back part of your foot's arch, which acts like a natural spring.
- Helping you move: Many strong muscles and tendons attach to the calcaneus. The most famous one is the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is essential for pushing off the ground when you walk or jump.
Common Injuries
Because the calcaneus takes so much impact, it can sometimes get injured.
- Heel pain: One common issue is plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the bottom of the heel. It happens when the strong tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes gets inflamed.
- Fractures: A calcaneus fracture (a broken heel bone) can happen from a fall from a height or a car accident. These injuries can be serious and often need a lot of time to heal.
Keeping Your Heels Healthy
To keep your calcaneus and feet healthy, it's a good idea to:
- Wear shoes that fit well and offer good support.
- Stretch your calf muscles regularly.
- Listen to your body and rest if you feel pain.
Your heel bone is a small but mighty part of your body that helps you stay active every day!
Images for kids
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Calcaneus fracture X-ray
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Left calcaneus. Animation.
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3D rendering of a left calcaneus derived from CT scan data. The calcaneus is white, and the other bones of the foot and ankle are clear to illustrate the position and relationship of the calcaneus to the other tarsal bones.
See also
In Spanish: Calcáneo para niños
