An Overview Of Bursitis Of The Heel
Posted on: 22 May 2020
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Bursitis of the heel is a relatively common foot problem in athletes and those who take part in high-impact exercises, such as running. Just below the Achilles tendon, there is a small, fluid-filled sac known as the bursa, which acts as a protective cushion for the tendons and muscles surrounding your heel. When the bursa becomes inflamed due to overexertion, the tendons and muscles begin to rub against the heel bone. This can leave you unable to continue with your exercise regimen for a period of time, but there are treatment options available and prompt treatment can lead to reduced recovery time. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for bursitis of the heel.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of bursitis of the heel include localised redness, swelling and pain that's exacerbated by walking or any pressure being applied to the heel. You may also be able to feel a hard mass just below the skin at the back of your heel, and this may increase in size without treatment.
Diagnosis And Treatment Approach
Your podiatrist will make a diagnosis by taking details of your symptoms and conducting a thorough foot exam. They may apply pressure to parts of your foot or ask you to flex your foot to determine if another part of the foot is contributing to or causing the symptoms you're experiencing. In some cases, you may be referred for diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine the degree of damage to the surrounding tissue.
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and allow the bursa and surrounding tissues to recover by relieving the heel of unnecessary pressure. You will need to rest the affected foot, and your podiatrist may recommend a topical or oral anti-inflammatory to speed up healing. In some cases, orthotic insoles are used to take the pressure off the affected heel by altering the distribution of weight across your feet and providing support to the heel. The insoles will be custom-made for your feet and your podiatrist will monitor their effectiveness. Your podiatrist may also show you how to do gentle foot exercises at home that improve flexibility and strength in the surrounding muscles, which may help prevent the problem recurring in the future.
If you have symptoms associated with bursitis of the heel, or if you're experiencing any pain or swelling in your feet, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible.