Achilles Tendon Bursitis
What is Achilles Tendon Bursitis (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)?
Achilles tendon bursitis is a common foot pain in athletes, particularly runners. It can often be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis or can also occur in conjunction with Achilles tendinitis. A bursa is a small sack of fluid that sits between a tendon and a bone to help the tendon move smoothly 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.
Achilles tendon bursitis is often mistaken for Achilles tendinitis. It is possible for the athlete to have both Achilles tendinitis and achilles tendon bursitis at the same time (Haglund's syndrome).
Symptoms of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis:
Pain at the back of the heels especially when running uphill or on soft surfaces.
Tenderness and swelling which might make it difficult to wear certain shoes on the feet.
When pressing fingers in both sides of the heel a spongy resistance may be felt.
Treatment of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis:
What can the athlete do?
Rest and apply cold therapy or ice (not directly onto the skin).
See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.
What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?
Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen.
Advise on recovery and rehabilitation.
Use ultrasound treatment.
Give a steroid injection (followed by 48 hours rest).
Operate if it is really bad and persistent.
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendon Bursitis
The guildelines below are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any rehabilitation.
Aim of rehabilitation
The aim of rehabilitation of Retrocalcaneal bursitis is to reduce pain and swelling and prevent further injury. Identification of the cause of injury is important in order to prevent it from re-occuring.
Stage 1: Reduction of pain and swelling
This involves rest from activities that aggrevate it. If running makes it worse then refrain from running until such time as pain allows. You may be able to swim or cycle. It is important to try to maintain some kind of fitness.
Wear shoes without backs to them which can relieve the pressure on the heel. A foam ring cut to fit around the bursa to protect it from rubbing on the shoe may take the pressure off the bursa and allow it to heal faster.
NSAID or Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) may be prescribed to help reduce the inflammation. You should check with a Doctor before taking any medication. Ibuprofen should not be taken by anyone with asthma.
Apply cold to the site of pain. This will help to reduce the inflammation. Ice can be applied although not directly onto the skin - wrap in a wet tea towel. Ice can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every two hours depending on severity of pain and time available. You should aim to apply cold therapy three times a day at least.
When the initial pain and inflammation has died down, progress to stage
Stage 2: Return to fitness
When pain has gone, slowly build back to your original level of exercise. Aim to start back at 70% of your original workload, although this may be less depending on your fitness and the amount of time you have spent resting. It is important to remove any irritation to the bursa. Check that the shoes are not rubbing on the bursa or cut away any material that might cause irritation of the bursa.
How long might it take to heal?
If you have looked after yourself you should be back to full training within two to three weeks. Be patient and allow about a week of active rest for the bursa.
The following is a basic guideline for returning to training. This will vary depending on previous fitness and extent of the injury.
Day 1: Walk 4 minutes, jog 2 minutes, repeat four times
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Walk 4 minutes, jog 3 minutes, repeat three times
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Walk 3 minutes, jog 4 minutes, repeat four times
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Walk 2 minutes, jog 6 minutes, repeat four times
Continue this gradual progression until you can confidently run and resume normal training
What is Achilles Tendon Bursitis (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)?
Achilles tendon bursitis is a common foot pain in athletes, particularly runners. It can often be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis or can also occur in conjunction with Achilles tendinitis. A bursa is a small sack of fluid that sits between a tendon and a bone to help the tendon move smoothly 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.
Achilles tendon bursitis is often mistaken for Achilles tendinitis. It is possible for the athlete to have both Achilles tendinitis and achilles tendon bursitis at the same time (Haglund's syndrome).
Symptoms of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis:
Pain at the back of the heels especially when running uphill or on soft surfaces.
Tenderness and swelling which might make it difficult to wear certain shoes on the feet.
When pressing fingers in both sides of the heel a spongy resistance may be felt.
Treatment of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis:
What can the athlete do?
Rest and apply cold therapy or ice (not directly onto the skin).
See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.
What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?
Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen.
Advise on recovery and rehabilitation.
Use ultrasound treatment.
Give a steroid injection (followed by 48 hours rest).
Operate if it is really bad and persistent.
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendon Bursitis
The guildelines below are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any rehabilitation.
Aim of rehabilitation
The aim of rehabilitation of Retrocalcaneal bursitis is to reduce pain and swelling and prevent further injury. Identification of the cause of injury is important in order to prevent it from re-occuring.
Stage 1: Reduction of pain and swelling
This involves rest from activities that aggrevate it. If running makes it worse then refrain from running until such time as pain allows. You may be able to swim or cycle. It is important to try to maintain some kind of fitness.
Wear shoes without backs to them which can relieve the pressure on the heel. A foam ring cut to fit around the bursa to protect it from rubbing on the shoe may take the pressure off the bursa and allow it to heal faster.
NSAID or Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) may be prescribed to help reduce the inflammation. You should check with a Doctor before taking any medication. Ibuprofen should not be taken by anyone with asthma.
Apply cold to the site of pain. This will help to reduce the inflammation. Ice can be applied although not directly onto the skin - wrap in a wet tea towel. Ice can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every two hours depending on severity of pain and time available. You should aim to apply cold therapy three times a day at least.
When the initial pain and inflammation has died down, progress to stage
Stage 2: Return to fitness
When pain has gone, slowly build back to your original level of exercise. Aim to start back at 70% of your original workload, although this may be less depending on your fitness and the amount of time you have spent resting. It is important to remove any irritation to the bursa. Check that the shoes are not rubbing on the bursa or cut away any material that might cause irritation of the bursa.
How long might it take to heal?
If you have looked after yourself you should be back to full training within two to three weeks. Be patient and allow about a week of active rest for the bursa.
The following is a basic guideline for returning to training. This will vary depending on previous fitness and extent of the injury.
Day 1: Walk 4 minutes, jog 2 minutes, repeat four times
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Walk 4 minutes, jog 3 minutes, repeat three times
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Walk 3 minutes, jog 4 minutes, repeat four times
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Walk 2 minutes, jog 6 minutes, repeat four times
Continue this gradual progression until you can confidently run and resume normal training
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