Foot · Short bone
Calcaneus (Heel Bone)
The calcaneus is the heel bone — the largest bone in the foot. It forms the heel, bears body weight, and anchors the Achilles tendon that powers walking, running and jumping.
What it is
The calcaneus is a strong, roughly rectangular bone at the back of the foot, forming the heel and part of the arch.
Where it is
The back of the foot, forming the heel.
What it does
Supports body weight, forms the heel and part of the foot's arch, and provides the attachment point for the Achilles tendon.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Joints with the talus and other foot bones
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Calcaneal (heel) fracture (often from a fall from height, landing on the heels)
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain (soft-tissue, not the bone itself)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The calcaneus is the largest of the foot's 26 bones and takes the full force of each heel strike when you walk.
Answers
Calcaneus: frequently asked questions
What is the heel bone called?
The heel bone is called the calcaneus — the largest bone in the foot. It bears weight and anchors the Achilles tendon.
What causes heel pain?
The commonest cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis (irritation of tissue under the foot), not a bone problem. Heel pain after a fall from height, however, can mean a calcaneal fracture and needs assessment.
Explore the foot
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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