OVERCOME YOUR HEEL BURSITIS WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONDON

Appendix: Key Terms and Concepts for Heel bursitis

Bursa: It is a painful condition that occurs when the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac located between the heel bone and Achilles tendon, becomes inflamed or irritated. This can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected area. Bursae are present in many joints throughout the body, including the heel, and they help to cushion the joints and reduce friction between bones. Treatment for it typically involves rest, ice, retrocalcaneal bursa, compression, calcaneal bursa and elevation of the affected foot. In some cases, medication or physical therapy may be recommended to help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Inflammation: It is a painful condition that causes inflammation in the bursa at the back of the heel bone. This inflammation can be caused by a number of factors including overuse, injury, or infection. Treatment options for it include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and corticosteroid injections in rare cases. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if pain persists for six to 12 months without improvement.

Arthritis: It is a condition where the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones and tendons in the heel, become inflamed. It can be caused by a variety of factors including arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis are some of the inflammatory joint diseases that can cause it. Tight-fitting shoes and overtraining while running can also lead to this condition. Symptoms include pain at the back of the heel, red and warm skin over the area, and pain when walking or standing on tiptoes.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis: It is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the heel area. Retrocalcaneal bursitis is one of the types of it, which occurs when the bursa between the Achilles tendon and heel bone becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by repetitive stress or injury to the area.

MRI: It is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa sacs located at the back of the heel bone. Most of the time, imaging tests such as X-ray and MRI are not needed at first. However, an MRI can determine if the cause of your heel pain is from something other than it, such as Achilles tendinitis. Inflammation may show on an MRI, which can help in the diagnosis and treatment plan for people suffering from it. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience persistent heel pain to get proper diagnosis and treatment.

Irritation: It is the inflammation of a bursa in the heel, which is typically caused by repetitive pressure or irritation. Treatment for it will depend on the underlying cause. One method that healthcare providers may recommend is wearing orthotics or heel wedges to encourage proper walking form and reduce irritation in the heel. Custom-made heel wedges may also be an option. Additionally, wearing open-heeled shoes or shoe inserts can help to reduce irritation and encourage better foot mechanics, especially for those with calcaneal bursitis caused by uncomfortable footwear.

Ibuprofen: It is a painful condition of the heel that can be treated with various methods. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with heel bursitis. In addition to medication, applying ice to the affected area twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes can help relieve pain. If home treatment does not provide relief after two or three weeks, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. Steroid injections may also be recommended in severe cases of heel bursitis.

Calf muscles: It is a painful condition that affects the retrocalcaneal bursa located in the back of the ankle by the heel. The bursa is under the large Achilles tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Repeated or excessive use of the ankle can cause this bursa to become irritated and inflamed, leading to heel pain. Physical therapy that involves calf stretches, toe-to-wall stretches, and heel drop stretches may help to take pressure off your heel bursa and provide relief. Strengthening exercises for your calf, ankle, and foot can also be beneficial in preventing and managing heel bursitis.

Bursectomy: If conservative treatments like rest, ice, and physical therapy do not relieve the pain caused by heel bursitis, your doctor may recommend surgery. The surgical procedure for this condition is called bursectomy and involves removing the affected bursa. However, this surgery is only recommended for severe cases that have not improved with other treatments, as it can lead to complications such as trouble with skin healing at the incision site. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if an infection caused your bursitis.

Plantar fasciitis: It is a common condition that causes inflammation in the bursa located at the back of the heel. This condition can be caused by several factors, including overuse, injury, or other medical conditions like plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is swelling of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot and can cause pain in your heel. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent heel pain as appropriate treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.

Haglund deformity: It is a condition that is caused by inflammation of the bursa between the Achilles tendon and heel. This can be caused by several factors, such as overtraining, tight or poorly fitting shoes, and haglund deformity, which is a bony bump on the back of the heel. In some cases, a surgeon may remove a sliver of bone from the back of the heel to alter foot mechanics and reduce friction. Tight-fitting shoes aggravate this condition, and it is best to avoid them if you have heel bursitis.

Magnetic resonance: It is a painful condition that can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help determine if the cause of heel pain is from something other than it, such as Achilles tendinitis. However, it may not offer much more information than that found by careful physical examination. In some cases, doctors might ask questions about exercise habits, footwear, and work conditions before ordering imaging scans like an X-ray or MRI to check for bone fractures or bursal inflammation.

Syringe: It is a common foot problem that can cause pain and swelling around the heel area. One of the treatment options for this condition is bursal aspiration, which involves removing fluid from the swollen bursa with a needle and syringe. This procedure helps relieve pressure at the back of the heel and decrease pain. Injection therapy with prolotherapy may also be used to quickly relieve symptoms in some cases. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for this.

Symptoms of heel bursitis include pain, tenderness, and swelling at the back of the heel. The pain may worsen with walking, running, or wearing tight shoes. Some individuals may also experience redness or warmth in the affected area.