Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a condition that causes pain when the foot moves up and down. Achilles tendon and sharp bursitis pain is caused by inflammation of the bursa where the achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. The bursa creates smooth movement by creating a cushion between the tendons and muscles and bones.

The irritation and inflammation of Retrocalcaneal bursitis can occur when a person walks jumps or runs excessively.  

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is both associated with Achilles tendonitis and sometimes confused with it. Both retrocalcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendonitis have similar symptoms. For example, both retrocalcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendonitis cause pain and discomfort when pushing off, cause increased pain in the morning and during walking after the person has been sedentary for a period of time, and pain that gets worse with more activity. The only way the doctor can tell the difference between the two disorders is by the location of the pain. Retrocalcaneal bursitis pain is felt about an inch or two lower than Achilles tendonitis.

Get Soothing Relief for Bursitis

Retrocalcaneal bursitis can be caused by either a repeated friction or by a single blow to the area.

If you are just starting a new exercise program and do too much at one time, you may be at risk for Retrocalcaneal bursitis. This is why it is important to start any new activity slowly and gradually work in more and more activity over time. This goes for those who otherwise are in good shape but have not done a particular type of exercise before. You should also start out slowly if you have not done a particular type of exercise in a long time. Poor form or abnormal biomechanics causing excessive sideways torque of the Achilles tendon may also be to blame for Retrocalcaneal bursitis.

Some people think that ill-fitting or improper shoes to be to blame for causing Retrocalcaneal bursitis. One idea is that a shoe that has a rigid heel and fits improperly will cause rubbing over time. Another idea is that a shoe with too much cushion may cause Retrocalcaneal bursitis because it allows the heel to sink too deeply into the shoe at the place where the heel strikes, causing stress on the heel.

Get Rid of Bursitis Pain for Good

In order to treat Retrocalcaneal bursitis, you should avoid any activity that is painful as well as take pain medication with anti-inflammatory properties such at Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen). In addition, you may be told by your doctor to apply ice on the area often during the day followed by specific physical therapy activities which will help you regain strength and flexibility in the ankle. Retrocalcaneal bursitis may recur without physical therapy, so you should make sure that you complete all of the physical therapy that your doctor recommends.

It may also be helpful to purchase heel wedges over the counter or have them custom made for your heel. Heel wedges may help you put less pressure on the bursa and Achilles tendon.

Sometimes, Retrocalcaneal bursitis is not helped significantly by the above treatments and other treatments may be prescribed. One treatment for Retrocalcaneal bursitis is steroid injections directly to the bursa. Another treatment for Retrocalcaneal bursitis is ankle casting. Ankle casting is done when the Retrocalcaneal bursitis is associated with Achilles tendonitis and it is done for several weeks. The elimination of movement to the area can allow for better healing and prevention of further inflammation and pain. This treatment is very effective in most cases.  

While the Retrocalcaneal bursitis is healing, it is important to evaluate if the condition may have been caused by ill-fitting shoes and, if so, to change shoes. It is also important to stop running or walking excessively until the condition is heeled. Running through the injury and toughening it out will only make the condition worse and may even lead to a growth of a bone spur which will create difficulty in recovering. You may even need surgery if you ignore the pain and keep going.

Achilles tendon bursitis may happen at any time and can be very painful and stubborn. It should be treated with seriousness so that the condition does not get worse and become a chronic problem. With quick, proper treatment, Retrocalcaneal bursitis can be cured and with physical therapy, it may be possible to prevent recurrences. You can prevent Retrocalcaneal bursitis by making sure that you have the proper foot wear for the type of activity that you are doing, that your shoes fit properly, that the heel is not rubbing and is not too hard or too soft, to always use proper form, and to start new activities slowly and build up gradually.

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