Achilles or retrocalcaneal bursitis is a common running injury that afflicts many runners seen at the San Diego Running Institute. It is often confused with achilles tendonitis and therefore has become a chronic condition. The runner will usually describe pain in the achilles region, behind the ankle that hurts severely if the achilles tendon is “pinched” between two fingers. A bursa is a fluid filled sac found between the achilles tendon and the heel/ankle bone whose job it is to prevent friction. When it gets “angry” it can cause severe pain that is misdiagnosed as achilles tendonitis. Then the runner tries all the “quick-fixes” that work for achilles tendonitis only to be disappointed. Achilles bursitis will not respond to treatments for achilles tendonitis. Stretching will often aggravate achilles bursitis. There are currently no “quick-fixes” for achilles bursitis. Rest is required from running and sometimes Kinesiotaping can be helpful. If you have been struggling with ankle or achilles pain and have received a diagnosis of achilles tendonitis and your condition is not improving you probably have achilles or retrocalcaneal bursitis.
If you would like help in resolving this condition the San Diego Running Institute recommends Dr. Allen D.C. He has helped many runners and non-runners with achilles bursitis and achilles tendonitis. If you would like to make an appointment call (858) 268-8525.