Your Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body, but that doesn’t mean it is immune from injury. The tendon needs to be very strong because it handles an immense amount of stress as you walk, run, move and jump, but all of these actions can also negatively impact Achilles tendon function. For example, repetitive stress or overstressing the Achilles tendon can lead to the onset of a condition known as Achilles tendon bursitis. We take a closer look what what can happen when Achilles tendon bursitis develops and how the condition can be effectively treated.
Causes And Symptoms Of Achilles Tendon Bursitis
Achilles tendon bursitis, also commonly referred to as retrocalcaneal bursitis, is an inflammatory condition that develops in the heel region near where the Achilles connects to the heel. It occurs when the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that lubricates the tendon and help it respond to different stress patterns, becomes inflamed and swollen. Not only can this swelling be uncomfortable, but if the condition limits the bursa’s ability to lubricate the Achilles tendon, you may be at an elevated risk for Achilles-related issues like strains or tears.
As we noted in the introduction, repetitive motion and overloading the Achilles with stress are the most common contributing factors to Achilles tendon bursitis onset. This means it tends to be more common in athletes or very active adults. It’s also common in individuals who greatly increase their activity levels, like someone who begins a new workout routine or an overly ambitious marathon trainer. Gait abnormalities or genetic factors that affect a person’s individual foot shape and arch pattern may also play a role in Achilles tendon bursitis development.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon bursitis include:
- Pain or discomfort at the back of the heel
- Discomfort that increases with activity or stress
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
If you’re dealing with these symptoms, consult with a foot specialist or begin some conservative treatments on your own, because neglecting treatment could increase your risk of a much more severe Achilles tendon problem.
Diagnosing And Treating Achilles Tendon Bursitis
If you present to your doctor’s office with a few of the above symptoms, they’ll begin by talking about what actions cause symptoms to develop or worsen before diving into a physical exam. They’ll assess the area and may have you perform some simple maneuvers to see how the area responds to stress and motion. They may also attempt to get a closer look at the area with an imaging test like an X-ray, MRI, CT scan or ultrasound to confirm their suspicions or to rule out other potential injuries.
If Achilles tendon bursitis, is the diagnosis, you can expect your doctor to walk you through a conservative treatment plan. The vast majority of patients will make a significant or full recovery with only conservative techniques. Surgery is not usually considered unless multiple conservative options have failed or the problem has progressed to the point where the Achilles tendon has partially or fully torn. Conservative care typically involves a combination of the following treatments:
- Rest/High-impact activity avoidance
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Orthotic inserts to shift how stress is placed on the feet
- Physical therapy to strengthen the tendon and its supporting structures
- Corticosteroid injections to help calm more persistent inflammation
- Gradual return to physical activities and athletics
If you believe that you or someone in your family is dealing with Achilles tendon bursitis, proactively treat the issue before it worsens or causes more issues for the Achilles. For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.