What is it?
Bursa are small fluid filled sacs within the body and are primarily focused on cushioning and lubricating tendons as they pass over bone.
The Retro-calcaneal Bursa is located between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. It is focused on providing this cushioning for everyday activities such as walking and running. However, either through direct trauma or a combination of risk factors, the Retro-calcaneal Bursa can become inflamed or irritated, resulting in a Bursitis.
What are the symptoms?
- Redness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Pain at the back of the heel – especially with direct pressure or going up on toes
Why did I get it?
Most patients with the condition can often present with many of the following risk factors:
- Direct trauma to heel
- Poor footwear
- Biomechanical foot issues
- Over-use
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles
- Poor running style
How is it diagnosed?
Bursitis can be diagnosed through a thorough history and clinical examination by a Podiatrist.
Depending on the severity/type of symptoms, you may be referred for an ultrasound or x-ray to rule out further pathology e.g. Achilles tendinopathy.
How can I treat it?
The quickest path to being pain free is to pay a visit to your Podiatrist for them to help you develop a treatment plan.
Below are some treatment strategies which may be implemented by your Podiatrist:
- Rest
- Ice
- Footwear advice and modification
- Custom orthotics
- Dry needling
- Foot and ankle mobilisation
- Activity modification
- Cortisone injections
Although bursitis can be painful, there is light at the end of the tunnel because when treated correctly it is a condition that you can recover from quickly and fully so you can get back into achieving those physical and lifestyle goals.
Ready to take back control and permanently resolve your Bursitis?
Book your appointment with one of our podiatrists now!
