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Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Retrocalcaneal & Plantar Heel Bursitis

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for heel bursitis, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Understanding heel bursitis and your options.

A bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion that helps tissues glide over bone. When one becomes irritated and swollen, the problem is called bursitis. In the heel, this can happen behind the bone near the Achilles tendon (retrocalcaneal) or under the heel (plantar).

It is often seen in active people and in those whose shoes rub or press on the heel. Easing the pressure early can keep the cushion from staying inflamed.

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Retrocalcaneal & Plantar Heel Bursitis care

Symptoms

Signs of heel bursitis.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Deep pain behind the heel, just in front of the Achilles

  • 02

    Tenderness under the heel when you step down

  • 03

    Puffiness or warmth around the back of the heel

  • 04

    Pain when you rise onto your toes or wear tight shoes

Why it happens

What can cause heel bursitis.

  • 01

    Rubbing from stiff or narrow shoe backs

  • 02

    Repeated impact from running or jumping

  • 03

    Tight Achilles and calf muscles

  • 04

    A prominent heel bone that pinches the bursa

Care groupHeel, Achilles & Arch Pain

Diagnosis and care

How we treat heel bursitis.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We press around the back and underside of the heel to find the sore spot and look for swelling. Ultrasound can show fluid in the bursa. X-rays help us check the shape of the heel bone, and MRI is used when the picture is unclear.

Step 2 · Treatment

Relief starts with taking pressure off the bursa. Softer shoes with a padded or open back, heel lifts, and small cushions can help a lot. Rest from high-impact exercise, calf stretching, and physical therapy are common parts of care. In some cases, an injection is used to calm a flared bursa.

Surgery is rare. If pain stays after a long period of good care, a procedure may remove the irritated bursa or smooth a bony bump that is pressing on it.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Many people feel better in a few weeks to a couple of months. It may take longer if shoe rubbing or heavy activity keeps irritating the area.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if heel swelling or pain lasts more than a couple of weeks. Seek care quickly if the area turns red, hot, or very painful, since infection is possible.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Is bursitis the same as Achilles tendinitis?

No, though they can occur together. Bursitis affects the cushion, while tendinitis affects the tendon itself.

Can shoes make heel bursitis worse?

Yes, stiff heel backs and tight fits can rub and press on the bursa. Changing shoes is often a big part of relief.

Get help with heel bursitis.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Retrocalcaneal & Plantar Heel Bursitis care at 15 clinics.

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