Understanding Achilles bursitis or tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Achilles tendon bursitis is a condition caused by swelling and inflammation of a sac located at the back of the heel, under the achilles tendon. Normally, this sac contains fluid that reduces the friction between the bony structures in the area. Bursitis happens due to overuse of the ankle, usually due to athletic activity such as running and jumping. Overuse causes irritation and inflammation. This condition may also present together with achilles tendinitis which is an injury of the Achilles tendon, a band that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.This injury is more common in middle aged people who play sports.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the heel, which worsens when running, walking, or standing on the tiptoes. The skin sometimes also becomes red and warm. Achilles tendinitis symptoms include pain after physical activity, tenderness and morning stiffness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include imaging tests of the ankle.

Treatment

Treatment includes rest, icing, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications, custom heel wedges, physical therapy and steroids injections. If achilles tendinitis does not get better after a few months, surgery may be recommended.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital