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Superficial Calcaneal Bursitis

Superficial calcaneal bursitis, also known as subcutaneous calcaneal bursitis or pre-achilles bursitis, is a form of bursitis which affects the bursa – that is, a fluid-filled sac which cushions the bones and tendons – which is located at the back of the heel, just underneath the skin. Bursitis is a condition which refers to the inflammation of the bursa. The predominant symptom of superficial calcaneal bursitis is pain in the heel area.

Causes

The main direct cause of superficial calcaneal bursitis is too much friction or rubbing against the skin which lies over the Achilles tendon. Causes of this friction can include; direct trauma or injury to the bursa; too much running, walking, or another type of physical activity; wearing ill-fitting footwear, especially high heels; regularly undertaking an activity which involves repetitive calf contradictions, such as dancing, climbing or rowing.

Symptoms

The main two symptoms of superficial calcaneal bursitis are pain and swelling. If you have superficial calcaneal bursitis, you may experience intensified pain following physical activity, or on the morning after physical activity. The condition can lead to inhibited movement on a daily basis and result in a limp. The most pain may be felt in the area which is directly above the bursa.

Superficial calcaneal bursitis can cause the heel to become very swollen and red. In turn, this can lead to more problems fitting into shoes, and discomfort when wearing them.

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Treatment

A range of tests may be conducted in making a diagnosis of superficial calcaneal bursitis. These include x-ray, ultrasound, and an MRI scan.

Non-surgical treatments are considered first when addressing superficial calcaneal bursitis. These include; indirect ice treatment, using a bag or towel, when painful symptoms of superficial calcaneal bursitis flare-up; resting, including the avoidance of high impact sports and other activities which are known to trigger painful symptoms of superficial calcaneal bursitis, and switching to sports with less impact on the heel, such as swimming; an avoidance of footwear which triggers symptoms, such as high heels; modified footwear, which can include more soft padding at the heel in order to ease pain; stretching exercises at home, which can serve to increase the range of motion in the heel and foot; and physiotherapy programmes that include exercises to achieve biomechanical correction, and to strengthen the muscles around the heel, also improving flexibility and range of motion.

Medications which can be prescribed for superficial calcaneal bursitis include analgesics such as paracetamol, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Anti-inflammatory gels can be used to treat superficial calcaneal bursitis. When applied over the skin they can reduce inflammation.

Occasionally a surgical procedure would be advised as a treatment for superficial calcaneal bursitis. In these cases, a surgical intervention could be a procedure which is focused on removing the inflamed bursa.

As with all foot surgery it is common for swelling to persist for some months after surgery and is completely normal. This swelling will eventually completely subside with time and can take up to 12 months but often goes well before this.

Ankle pain can be distressing, especially if you're not sure what options are open to you. If you're wondering if surgery could help you, book an appointment.

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I saw Mr Ajis after sustaining a fracture of my 5th metatarsal which had not healed after a year. The pain was unbearable. He saw me promptly and took the time to explain my condition with the help of x-ray images with assurances that he could fix the problem. I was advised by other clinicians to be patient and wait for the fracture to heal on its own. Mr Ajis said that healing would be highly unlikely without intervention. After numerous emails and 'phone calls to him he constantly...

...spent the time reassuring me and patiently going over the intended procedure. To date after seeking advice and guidance from Mr Ajis, his secretary and the Physio Team and the insertion of a plate my fracture has united I walk well, without pain and I have joined a walking group.