Inflammation of synovial fluid sacs. May be caused by many organisms. Experiment with Arthritis programs as well.Encyclopedia Entry for Bursitis :Bursitis of the heel. A bursa acts as a cushion and lubricant between tendons or muscles sliding over bone. There are bursas around most large joints in the body, including the ankle. The retrocalcaneal bursa is located in the back of the ankle by the heel. It is where the large Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Repeated or too much use of the ankle can cause this bursa to become irritated and inflamed. It may be caused by too much walking, running, or jumping. This condition is very often linked to Achilles tendinitis. Sometimes retrocalcaneal bursitis may be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis. Risks for this condition include: Starting a very intense workout schedule Suddenly increasing activity level without the right conditioning Changes in activity level History of arthritis that is caused by inflammation.Symptoms include: Pain in the heel, especially with walking, running, or when the area is touched Pain may get worse when rising on the toes (standing on tiptoes) Red, warm skin over the back of the heel.Your health care provider will take a history to find out if you have symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis. An exam will be done to find the location of the pain. The provider will also look for tenderness and redness in the back of the heel. The pain may be worse when your ankle is bent upward (dorsiflex). Or, the pain may be worse when you rise on your toes. Most of the time, you will not need imaging studies such as x-ray and MRI at first. You may need these tests later if the first treatments DO NOT lead to improvement. Inflammation may show on a MRI.Your provider may recommend that you do the following: Avoid activities that cause pain. Put ice on the heel several times a day. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Try using over-the-counter or custom heel wedges in your shoe to help decrease stress on the heel. Try ultrasound treatment during physical therapy to reduce inflammation. Have physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength around the ankle. The focus will be on stretching your Achilles tendon. This can help the bursitis improve and prevent it from coming back. If these treatments DO NOT work, your provider may inject a small amount of steroid medicine into the bursa. After the injection, you should avoid overstretching the tendon because it can break open (rupture). If the condition is connected to Achilles tendinitis, you may need to wear a cast on the ankle for several weeks. Very rarely, surgery may be needed to remove the inflamed bursa.This condition most often gets better in several weeks with the proper treatment.Call your provider if you have heel pain or symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis that DO NOT improve with rest.Things you can do to prevent the problem include: Use proper form when exercising. Maintain as good flexibility and strength around the ankle to help prevent this condition. Stretch the Achilles tendon to help prevent injury. Wear shoes with enough arch support to decrease the amount of stress on the tendon and inflammation in the bursa.Insertional heel pain; Retrocalcaneal bursitis.Flexibility exercise Flexibility exercise Retrocalcaneal bursitis Retrocalcaneal bursitis.Joseph RL, Hudgins TH. Foot and ankle bursitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Bursitis :Bursitis. Bursitis is often a result of overuse. It can be caused by a change in activity level, such as training for a marathon or by being overweight. It can also be caused by trauma, rheumatoid arthritis , gout , or infection. Sometimes the cause can't be found. Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the Achilles tendon and the foot.Symptoms of bursitis may include any of the following: Joint pain and tenderness when you press around the joint Stiffness and aching when you move the affected joint Swelling , warmth or redness over the joint Pain during movement and rest Pain may spread to the nearby areas.The health care provider will ask about your medical history and perform physical exam. Tests that may be ordered include: Removing fluid from the bursa Culture of the fluid Ultrasound MRI.Your provider will talk to you about a treatment plan to help you resume your normal activity. Tips to relieve bursitis pain: Use ice 3 to 4 times a day for the first 2 or 3 days. Cover the painful area with a towel, and place the ice on it for 15 minutes. DO NOT fall asleep while applying the ice. You can get frostbite if you leave it on too long. When sleeping, do not lie on the side that has bursitis. For bursitis around the hips, knees, or ankle: Try not to stand for long periods. Stand on a soft, cushioned surface, with equal weight on each leg. Placing a pillow between your knees when lying on your side can help decrease pain. Flat shoes that are cushioned and comfortable often help. If you are overweight, losing weight may also be helpful. You should avoid activities that involve repetitive movements of any body part when possible. Other treatments include: Medicines such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) Physical therapy Exercises you do at home to build strength and keep the joint mobile as pain goes away Removing fluid from the bursa and getting a shot of corticosteroid As the pain goes away, your provider may suggest exercises to build strength and keep movement in the painful area. In rare cases, surgery is done.Some people do well with treatment. When the cause cannot be corrected, you may have long-term pain.If the bursa is infected, it becomes more inflamed and painful. This usually requires antibiotics or surgery.Call your provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if the pain is getting worse.When possible, avoid activities that include repetitive movements of any body parts.Student's elbow; Olecranon bursitis; Housemaid's knee; Prepatellar bursitis; Weaver's bottom; Ischial gluteal bursitis; Baker's cyst; Gastrocnemius - semimembranosus bursa.Bursa of the elbow Bursa of the elbow Bursa of the knee Bursa of the knee Bursitis of the shoulder Bursitis of the shoulder.Biundo JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders of sports medicine.Encyclopedia Entry for Bursitis :Bursitis. Can be caused by Staphylococcus Aureus. Inflammation of synovial fluid sacs. May be caused by many organisms. Experiment with Arthritis sets as well.Information from Marcello Allegretti.