Which part of the body is the calcaneus located?

The calcaneus is located in the posterior-inferior part of the foot, commonly known as the "heel." It is the largest tarsal bone in the human body and an essential component of the foot arch, bearing significant body weight. The bony prominence palpable at the posterior aspect of the calcaneus is called the calcaneal tuberosity, to which the Achilles tendon attaches, as described below.

When the sole of a normal foot is placed flat on the ground, the forefoot is in front and the heel in back. On each side of the ankle, there are two bony prominences known as the medial and lateral malleoli. Approximately 2–3 cm below the malleoli lies the position of the calcaneus. Because there are no prominent muscles or tendons covering its surface, the calcaneus lies directly beneath the subcutaneous tissue of the heel. The calcaneus is an irregular bone and one of the primary weight-bearing structures in the body; during walking, more than half of the body's weight is transmitted through the calcaneus. Superior to the calcaneus is the talus, and together they form the subtalar joint—one of the important weight-bearing joints in the human body. In cases of calcaneal fracture, the articular surface of this joint is prone to collapse.

The anterior portion of the calcaneal tuberosity, which corresponds to the plantar surface of the foot, serves as the origin site for the plantar aponeurosis, making this region functionally critical. Common related conditions include plantar fasciitis and calcaneal fractures. Because the calcaneal tuberosity consists of dense cortical bone and is structurally strong, traction reduction in calcaneal fractures can be achieved by applying force through bone fragments located at this site.