Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
ORIF Calcaneus
ORIF Calcaneus – Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Fractures of the Heel (Calcaneus) bone
The calcaneus, commonly known as the heel bone, is located at the rear of the foot and is one of the two main bones that form the foot. It plays a key role in supporting the body’s weight during standing and walking. The calcaneus lies beneath the talus, the wedge-shaped bone forming the front of the ankle joint, and is adjacent to the cuboid and other forefoot bones. When the calcaneus is injured, the alignment and function of the surrounding joints can be affected.
The calcaneus is the most commonly injured bone in the foot. Due to the shattering nature of calcaneal fractures, achieving pain relief through conservative treatment can be challenging. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role following surgery on the calcaneus, helping to restore function, strength, and mobility.
Calcaneus fractures can be classified into four main types:
- Non-displaced fractures – the bone cracks but remains in its original position.
- Displaced fractures – the bone fragments have shifted out of alignment.
- Intra-articular fractures – the fracture extends into the subtalar joint, affecting joint surfaces.
- Extra-articular fractures – the fracture does not involve the joint surface and is confined to other parts of the calcaneus.
ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) is a surgical procedure performed for serious calcaneus fractures (Types II to IV). Conducted under general anaesthetic, the surgery involves opening the outer side of the ankle, realigning the bone to its normal position (open reduction), provisionally fixing it with wires, and then securing the bone with a metal plate and screws (internal fixation) to maintain proper alignment.
Physiotherapy prior to surgery
Surgery is usually delayed for 5–14 days after a calcaneus fracture to allow the significant swelling associated with the injury to subside, ensuring safer and more effective surgical intervention.
At Ace Physio Sports, we can provide support during this period. Techniques that may be used include:
- Elevation of the foot – to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Ice therapy (cryotherapy) – to help manage pain and inflammation.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises – for the unaffected joints (hips, knees, and ankle of the opposite leg) to maintain mobility.
- Seated or supported exercises – to maintain strength in the lower limbs without stressing the injured foot.
- Patient education – guidance on positioning, safe transfers, and movement restrictions to protect the injured foot.
Symptoms after surgery
After calcaneus surgery, it is common to experience residual pain and swelling around the scar site.
Physiotherapy following surgery
Physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports can begin working shortly after surgery to promote healing around the post-operative scar site.
0–6 Weeks: Non-Weight Bearing with Crutches During this period, although rest is important while in a cast, our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports encourage gentle active and passive movements of the foot, as pain allows. These may include wiggling your toes, pointing your toes, and gentle ankle circles within the limits of your cast. Ice therapy (cryotherapy) can be used to reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, seated exercises for the hip, knee, and ankle will help maintain range of motion and strength in the surrounding joints.
6–12 Weeks During this phase, physiotherapy sessions at Ace Physio Sports will focus on increasing range of movement and include seated stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the lower leg muscles, which may have weakened due to limited use since surgery. Massage may also be applied to reduce swelling and improve scar tissue extensibility. As you have been off your feet for some time, our physiotherapists will introduce exercises to rebuild stamina and strengthen the knees and hips, supporting a safe return to functional mobility.
10–12 Weeks: Cast Removal At Ace Physio Sports, we will assist you in progressing to partial weight-bearing. Our physiotherapists will focus on strength and balance, and guide you through gradual weight transfer exercises (such as stepping forwards and backwards), using parallel bars for support if required.
12–14 Weeks: Progress to Full Weight-Bearing At Ace Physio Sports, we will focus on increasing your confidence while walking and practicing stairs and other functional movements. Using mirrors, our physiotherapists will help you observe, discuss, and correct your walking pattern. From this point, a tailored programme will be created with short-term goals, working alongside you to achieve long-term functional objectives, whether that’s walking your dog in the park or returning to your favourite sport.
Summary
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the Calcaneus is a surgical procedure designed to realign and stabilise the heel following a serious fracture. Surgery is usually scheduled a few days after the fracture to allow swelling to subside. At Ace Physio Sports, we can support you both in the days following the fracture leading up to your operation and after surgery. Our main goals are to reduce pain, improve range of movement, and help you return to full function. Together, we will create an extensive, week-by-week rehabilitation programme, tailored to achieve your personal recovery goals.
Call Ace Physio Sports now at +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment. You can also visit acephysiosports.com to learn more about our services.
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Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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