Chiropody | Podiatry | Physio | Orthotics | Footwear | Orthopaedic Shoe Modifications

Bartholomew Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5JL

CALL US

01403 276272

EMAIL US

reception@bartholomewwayclinic.co.uk

Chiropody | Podiatry | Physio | Orthotics | Footwear | Orthopaedic Shoe Modifications

Bartholomew Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5JL

CALL US

01403 276272

EMAIL US

info@bartholomewwayclinic.co.uk

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

Retrocalcalneal Bursitis

Retrocalcaneal is a very fancy name, which when broken down means swelling between the heel bone and the achilles tendon.
A bursa is a sack of fluid that sits between a tendon and a bone to help the tendon move smoothly over the bone, with repeated trauma or overuse of the ankle the bursa can become inflamed and cause pain that can radiate up the leg and under the foot.
The condition is usually linked to achilles tendonitis

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain in the heel, especially with walking, running, or when the area is touched
  • Tenderness and swelling which might make it difficult to wear certain shoes on the feet.Pain may get worse when rising on the toes (standing on tiptoes)
  • Red, warm skin over the back of the heel
  • When pressing fingers in both sides of the heel a spongy resistance may be felt.
  • Pain may be worse when the ankle is bent upwards, or pain may be worse when you rise on your toes.


At Bartholomew Way Clinic in Horsham we have access to diagnostic ultrasound, as you can see from the image below this is a clear picture of a retrocalcaneal bursitis;

Treatment

As can be seen from the image above the bursa has a thin white line surrounding it. This line shows that the bursa is calcified and hardened and has therefore been there for months even years.

  1. Treatment depends on how long the pain has been there and thus how long the bursa has been there.
  1. Treatment also depends on whether there is associated tendonitis or tendonosis
    1. NB: Tendonitis is acute inflammatory problem and tendonosis is chronic and has been long standing and no longer has an inflammatory process, this is why the treatment differs
  2. Treatment also depends where the achilles tendon is damaged, if it is where it inserts into the back of the heel of mid way up the tendon up the leg then this also changes the treatment
  3. Treatment also depends on whether there is a partial tear within the achilles tendon, as this will need to be repaired before treatment starts for the retrocalcaneal bursitis.


It is important to point out that everyone is different and they will have a combination of the above pathologies and you all need to be treated differently.

 

 

If you have any issues or questions regarding any of the information above. Do you get pain around the back of the heel or in the achilles tendon then please don’t hesitate to come in or contact me on 01403 276272

RELATED POSTS

Plantar Plate Tears

Plantar Plate Tears

A plantar plate tear is an injury to the fibrocartilage tissue that supports the bones in the ball of the foot. The plantar plate is located at the base of the toes and helps to maintain the stability and alignment of the bones in the forefoot. When the plantar plate...

Fungal infection of the nails

Fungal infection of the nails

A common and cosmetically displeasing condition affecting the toenails. Also known as Dermatophytic Onychomycosis. The infecting organisms are usually from the family of dermatophytes but can also include yeasts and moulds. What are the signs and symptoms? These are...

A common heel problem

A common heel problem

Plantar fasciitis You may have heard of or experienced this debilitating heel condition. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar fascia and is the commonest cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue that supports many structures in...

Call us on 01403 276 272 to ask a question or to book an appointment