What is Heel Bursitis?
Heel Bursitis occurs when the bursae a small fluid-filled sac around the knee become inflamed. The bursa close to the heels is behind the Achilles tendon, right above where they are attached to the heel bone.
Heel Bursitis occurs as a result of excessive use from activities such as walking; jogging or jumping. This is common with athletes, especially runners and ballet dancers. Sometimes physicians erroneously diagnose it as Achilles as tendonitis, but both conditions may occur at the same time.
What are the Causes of Heel Bursitis?
Below are the causes and the risk factors for heel bursitis. Determining the root cause of the inflammation of the bursa is very important as it will help define the course of the treatment.
1. Repetitive use of the ankle. Heel Bursitis is usually caused by frequent "mini-traumas". These mini-traumas are often the result of excessive walking, jumping or running. Running uphill, causing a considerable bending of the feet, can be particularly irritating for the heel bursae. Individuals who suddenly increase their exercise programs without adequate stretching and muscle conditioning may have heel bursitis. Generally, it is often associated with excessive use of the Achilles attachment, the area where the Achilles tendon fibers attach to the heel.
2. Poor fitted-shoe. Putting on poorly fitted shoe constructive shoe can cause irritation and inflammation of the heel. The types of shoes that cause heel bursitis are those that dig into the back of the heel.
3. Deformation of the foot or ankle. It is likely to develop heel bursitis due to a foot or ankle deformity. For example, some people may have an abnormal and prominent shape of the top of their heel; this is referred to as Haglund’s Deformity. This situation increases the chances of irritating the bursa.
4. Previous injury. A trauma to the affected heel, for example unintentionally hitting the back of the heel on a hard object, can lead to filling of the bursa with fluid; this can cause irritation and inflammation of the bursa’s synovial membrane. Although the body usually absorbs fluid again, the membrane may remain inflamed and leads to the symptoms of bursitis.
5. Another basic condition. There are some other conditions that have been shown to cause inflammation of the heel bursa; examples include damage to the Achilles tendon, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and pseudogout. In this case, the treatment for bursitis must be accompanied by the treatment for the basic condition.
6. Infection. Septic heel bursitis which occurs as a result of infection is not common. Infection can get into the bursa through a cut, puncture, blister or even bites from insects. It is possible to have septic bursitis without obvious opening.
What are the Symptoms of Heel Bursitis?
Heel pain is the major symptom of heel bursitis. You only feel the pain when you press the heel.
Other symptoms may include:
• Swelling around the back of the heel
• Pain when you lean over your heels
• Pain in calf muscles when running or walking
• Stiffness
• A red or warm skin on the back of the heel
• Loss of movement
• A crackling sound when flexing foot
• Shoes becoming uncomfortable
Heel Bursitis Treatment
Treatment for Heel Bursitis requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your foot. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your foot to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
