Retrocalcaneal Bursitis Anatomy
- A bursa is a fluid filled sac that forms around your joints.
- When the bursa in front of the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, hypertrophied, and adherent to the tendon, one develops bursitis.
Causes of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
- Overuse when walking, running, and/or jumping
- Wearing poor fitting shoes
- Walking in high heels a lot
- Not stretching or warming up before exercise
- Tight calf muscles
- More common in older adults
- More common in low level recreational athletes
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis may also be associated with conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
- Impingement between the Achilles tendon and an excessively large calcaneus (Haglund deformity)
Symptoms of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
- Deep achy pain in the back of ankle
- Visible swelling
- Pain when foot moves into dorsiflexion (ankle and toes move up towards nose)
- Pain when squeeze just above and in front of achilles
- Stiffness
- Red and/or warm skin around back of ankle
- Shoes become very uncomfortable, normally prefer open back shoes
Physical Therapy for Retrocalcaneal Bursitis in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of Foot & Ankle Fractures please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.