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Injury advice > Lower leg/Ankle Injuries > Achilles Tendon bursitis

Achilles Tendon Bursitis

What is Achilles Tendon Bursitis (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)?

Runners are particularly susceptible to achilles tendon bursitis foot pain. Sometimes this condition is mistaken tendinitis but it can also occur in conjunction with tendinitis (Haglunds syndrome).

The small sack of fluid that goes between a tendon and a bone in the feet is known as a bursa. It aids smooth movement of the tendon over the bone. The retrocalcaneal bursa in situated in the feet between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus (heel bone). With repeated trauma the bursa can become inflamed.

What are the symptoms of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?

  • Running on soft surfaces and up hill causes pain at the back of the heels.
  • Certain kinds of shoes might be uncomfortable to wear and there may be tenderness and swelling on the feet.
  • When pressing fingers in both sides of the heel a spongy resistance may be felt.

How can you treat Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?

What can the athlete do?

  • Cold therapy
  • Treatment and rehabilitation prescribed by a sports injury professional.

Visiting a sports injury specialist or doctor:

  • NSAIDs can be prescribed e.g. ibuprofen.
  • Prescribe recovery and rehabilitation program.
  • Ultrasound
  • Give a steroid injection (followed by 48 hours rest).
  • Operate if it is really bad and persistent.

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Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Achilles Tendon Bursitis and other causes of achilles pain.