The retrocalcaneal bursa plays an important role in our ability to walk and run without pain, but unfortunately, it can also become irritated. This condition, known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, often manifests itself as pain and swelling around the heel. The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive movements, particularly in activities that involve running or jumping. It can also be caused by direct pressure on the back of the heel or an infection. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, over-the-counter medication, and physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove the inflamed bursa. Minor lifestyle changes such as wearing appropriate footwear can also help prevent bursitis from occurring in the first place. So if you notice heel pain during activities like walking or running, don’t ignore it; seek proper treatment for an annoying but manageable condition like retrocalcaneal bursitis.
This condition is often caused by repetitive motion, such as running or jumping. It can also be caused by direct trauma to the area, such as a fall. It is also more common in people who wear shoes that do not fit well or who have high heels. Treatment for retrocalcaneal bursitis includes rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Causes of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is often caused by repetitive motion, such as running or jumping. It can also be caused by direct trauma to the area, such as a fall. It is more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. It is also more common in people who wear shoes that do not fit well or who have high heels.
Symptoms of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
The most common symptom of retrocalcaneal bursitis is pain and tenderness around the back of the heel. The pain may worsen with activities such as walking, running, or climbing stairs. Other symptoms may include redness and warmth around the affected area. Symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis can be confused with that of Achilles tendinitis. This can be more confusing because sometimes both processes are occurring simultaneously.
The retrocalcaneal bursa is located directly in front of the Achilles tendon above the heel bone/calcaneus. Typically, activities that exacerbate bursitis include those that require increased dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle. This means the foot is more upward position. The reason for this is that upward movement of the foot/dorsiflexion will cause increased pressure between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon where the bursa becomes sandwiched. Retrocalcaneal bursitis is quite easy to identify through physical examination by your doctor. It can also be confirmed in more unclear cases using ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment for Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Treatment for retrocalcaneal bursitis includes rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely necessary. Resting the affected foot will help reduce inflammation and pain. Ice can be used to help reduce swelling and pain. Physical therapy may be recommended to help stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the ankle. Surgery is rarely needed but may be recommended in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment measures.
When it comes to treating retrocalcaneal bursitis, anti-inflammatories can be a great first line of defense. These medications work to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for those suffering from this condition. However, for more severe cases, steroid tapers may also be necessary. Injectable steroids can potentially cause damage to the Achilles tendon and should therefore be avoided in this particular region. An alternative option is to consider PRP injections, which use the patient’s concentrated platelets to promote natural healing and reduce inflammation.
When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause intense pain and discomfort in the affected area and limit the range of motion. While traditional approaches to treating retrocalcaneal bursitis have included steroid injections or surgery, radial shockwave treatment offers a promising alternative. This non-invasive modality sends high-energy sound waves into the tissue, stimulating the healing process and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that radial shockwave treatment is highly successful in relieving symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis, with an overall success rate of 80-90%. It’s also important to note that this modality has minimal side effects compared to more invasive forms of treatment. If you’re suffering from retrocalcaneal bursitis, consider talking to your doctor about the potential benefits of radial shockwave treatment.
Ultimately, each case is unique and it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for retrocalcaneal bursitis.
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a condition in which the retrocalcaneal bursa becomes inflamed due to repetitive motion or direct trauma. Treatment for retrocalcaneal bursitis includes rest, ice, and physical therapy measures such as stretching and strengthening exercises. Surgery is rarely necessary but may be recommended in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment measures.