Retrocalcaneal bursitis in a condition that causes swelling of the retrocalcaneal bursa found at the back of the heel bone or the calcaneal bone. The retrocalcaneal bursa is a slippery sac that is filled with fluid that cushions and lubricates the area amidst the heel bone and the Achilles tendon.
Irritation of the bursa causes soreness of the retrocalcaneal bursa. It can be caused by certain activities, arthritis, and abnormality of the foot such as the development of haglund’s deformity. Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes causes severe stretching and irritation of the Achilles tendon and its bursae when switching to flat shoes.
Causes of retrocalcaneal bursitis
- Wearing a tight or ill fitting shoe that puts excessive pressure at the posterior heel.
- Overtraining of an athlete result to overusing of the heel and the ankle area
- Altered joint axis
Pain when applying pressure on the heel. - Development of Haglund deformity, impingement happens during dorsiflexion of the ankle.
- Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
- Inadequate warm up before performing exercises
Symptoms
- Pain when applying pressure on the heel.
- Stiffness
- Swelling around the back of the heel area
- Pain when leaning the back part of the heel
- Pain in the calf especially when running or walking
- The skin at the rear part of the heel becomes red or warm
- Loss of movement
- Cracking sound can be heard when flexing the foot
- Wearing shoes becomes uncomfortable
Treatment
- Avoid wearing shoes that presses the back of the heel. Wear shoes that have an “Achilles notch,” which is a groove in the collar at the back of the shoe to prevent further irritations and protection on the Achilles tendon. When running use running shoes with an “Achilles notch.”
- Take frequent resting of the affected foot to lessen the inflammation and the pain for fast healing of the condition.
- Apply ice on the area using ice pack. Wrap ice pack in a towel or a cloth before placing to the area for at least 10-15 minutes to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Frozen vegetables such as peas or corn placed in a plastic bag are also good for the condition.
- Compress the area using an ACE elastic bandage. Wrap the bandage around the affected area to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent stopping of blood circulation and worsen the condition.
- Elevate the area above the level of the heart to lessen the swelling and the pain. Place a couple of pillows under the feet to keep it elevated.
- Prescribed over-the-counter medications to lessen the inflammation and the pain caused by retrocalcaneal bursitis.
- Wear the prescribed orthotic device such as a heel insert for the shoe to lessen irritation of the retrocalcaneal bursa.
- Perform regular stretching of the Achilles tendon and rehabilitation exercises with the help of the physical therapist to lessen the pain and recurrence of the condition.
FACT CHECK
https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/bursitis/heel-retrocalcaneal-bursitis-treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/retrocalcaneal-bursitis
https://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/retrocalcaneal-bursitis