Heel Bursitis Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Foot Specialists of Waukesha Answer Important Questions About Heel Bursitis
As your go-to resource for heel pain causes, our Waukesha podiatrist answers important questions about heel bursitis, including what causes this type of heel pain, the symptoms of heel bursitis and heel bursitis treatment methods.
What is Heel Bursitis?
The back of your heel bone has a fluid-filled sac called a bursa, located under the Achilles tendon. Heel Bursitis occurs when this sac is damaged and swollen.
Normally, the bursa acts as a cushion and lubricant between the tendons and muscles covering the heel bone. Most of your joints have a similar bursa.
Sometimes, heel bursitis can be confused with other heel pain, like Achilles Tendonitis, which is why seeing a foot specialist is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Heel Bursitis
The causes of heel bursitis are varied, but typically include:
- Too much strain or repetitive use
- Prolonged periods of standing on hard surfaces
- Contact sports
- Blunt force trauma
- Poor footwear
- Thinning of protective fat pad on heel
- Arthritis
Heel bursitis from running, jumping or excessive walking is fairly common.
Symptoms of Heel Bursitis
The most common symptoms of heel bursitis include:
- Redness or warmth under the heel
- Pain and swelling around the heel
Heel Bursitis Treatment
Typically, heel bursitis treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatories, proper foot wear, heel cups and physical therapy.
In very rare cases, heel bursitis surgery is necessary. Heel pain caused by bursitis is typically resolved (with proper care) in 3 weeks.
Waukesha Foot Doctors Effectively Treat Heel Bursitis
If you have acute or chronic heel bursitis make an appointment with our foot specialists in Waukesha or Milwaukee area. We’ll identify alternative treatment options, including ESWT. We’ll also help you avoid future flare-ups and determine if there are additional underlying conditions.