Heel Bursitis (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)

heel-pain

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) between the back of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon, just above the point where the tendon connects to the bone. The inflammation causes swelling, tenderness, and pain on the back of the foot.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis develops gradually, usually from pressure from the back of a shoe. Activities that repetitively overflex the foot upward, such as hill running, cause the Achilles tendon to press against the bursa and can also cause inflammation. Wearing shoes and being active can often make symptoms worse. But symptoms usually improve with rest.

Treatment for this condition may include changing footwear if needed, ice massage, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment. After 3 days, you can try heat, or you can alternate heat and ice. Runners are advised to avoid hill running, reduce mileage, and run on a soft yet firm surface while rehabilitating.

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Doctors

Listed below are Signature Medical Group physicians who diagnose and treat this condition.

Aleksander C. Ferbet, DPM

Aleksander C. Ferbet

St. Louis, MO

  • Podiatry
  • Foot and Ankle

Robert P. Bruce, MD

Robert P. Bruce

Overland Park, KS

  • Orthopedics
  • Hip and Knee
  • Joint Replacement
  • Shoulder and Elbow
  • Sports Medicine

Kenneth (Buck) S. Smith, MD

Kenneth (Buck) S. Smith

St. Louis, MO

  • Orthopedics
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Sports Medicine
  • Trauma
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Locations

Signature Orthopedics Fenton

Signature Orthopedics Fenton
1011 Bowles Avenue
Suite 100
Fenton, MO 63026
Get directions
314-849-0311

Signature Orthopedics South County

Signature Orthopedics South County
12639 Old Tesson Road
Suites 100 and 115
St. Louis, MO 63128
Get directions
314-849-0311

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic
10701 Nall Avenue
Suite 200
Overland Park, KS 66211
Get directions
913-381-5225

Signature Orthopedics Chesterfield

Signature Orthopedics Chesterfield
121 St. Luke’s Center Drive
Building A, Suite 302
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Get directions
314-849-0311

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic Lee’s Summit

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic Lee’s Summit
3151 NE Carnegie Drive
Suite B
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Get directions
913-381-5225