Infracalcaneal Bursitis

 

What is it?

 

Infracalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) below your heel bone (calcaneus). Bursae are situated in various locations throughout your body where friction between tissues commonly occurs, and these sacs are designed to help reduce this friction and prevent pain.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

Pain in the heel that worsens with weight bearing activities.

 

What causes it?

 

Being overweight, in a weight-bearing occupation, wearing poorly constructed shoes and playing high impact sports are all risk factors.

 

What to do at home

 

If you are overweight, losing weight will help.  Ice the painful area several times per day, wear cushioned, supportive shoes such as trainers and limit the time you spend on your feet.  Gel heel cups are also very useful in treating this condition.

 

When to seek help

 

If your symptoms fail to improve within 2 weeks of home treatments.

 

How is it treated?

 

Where conservative treatment fails, cortisone injection may be considered.  A period of immobilization is sometimes required in severe cases.

 

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