Heel bursitis is caused by an inflamed bursa due to overuse and improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty standing and walking. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and proper shoes. Infection requires medical attention.
Bursitis occurs due to an inflamed bursa. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a gliding surface to minimize friction between tendons, muscles, and bones. If the bursa becomes inflamed, it usually swells up, loses its slippery function, and becomes quite painful. Heel bursitis is a type of bunion that occurs under the heel bone. Retrocalcaneal bursitis and inferior calcaneal bursitis are some common types of heel bursitis.
Generally, heel bursitis is caused by overuse. Physical activities that cause repetitive motion can eventually lead to heel overuse. The condition can be made worse by wearing improperly fitting shoes, including shoes that are too tight, which can put excessive pressure on the heel.
Individuals with this condition usually have an inflamed bursa at the bottom of the heel. This will typically make it difficult to stand and walk. Pain is generally the most significant symptom of heel bursitis. Although the entire heel can hurt, most of the pain is commonly felt in the center. Other symptoms may include swelling, tenderness and a warm feeling in the heel.
Retrocalcaneal or retrocalcaneal bursitis refers to inflammation of a bursa on the back of the heel. Most commonly, this bursa is found between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition commonly occurs after overuse of the ankle, often through activities such as jumping and running for long periods of time. Heel redness and pain that can intensify on standing, particularly in the toes, are among the most common symptoms.
This condition is sometimes referred to as “pump shock”. Wearing shoes that constantly rub against the back of the ankle can cause friction. Due to this friction, the bursa can become inflamed; Sometimes the inflammation is severe enough to be visible visually and appear as a swollen bump in the area between the heel and ankle. Symptoms of this type of heel bursitis can start with pain in the back of the heel, followed by redness, irritation, and eventually the appearance of bumps in the area.
The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes. It consists of a thick band of fabric that runs across the bottom of the foot. Inferior heel bursitis can occur if a bursa near the location of the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Pain in the bottom of the foot, predominantly near the heel, may be felt in individuals with this condition. Removing and placing shoes on the foot can be especially difficult if the heel is very sore.
An individual with fever and chills in addition to having a warm swollen heel may have an infection. In this case, you should seek professional medical help immediately. Your doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics, and fluid from the bursa may need to be drained to treat the infection. Treatment of heel bursitis without the presence of an infection generally includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and ice packs to reduce swelling. Most people will also find that wearing proper shoes will generally eliminate the pain and irritation most commonly associated with this condition.
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