Bursitis of the heel - what is it?

There are three synovial bags in the heel area. One of them is located in the place of attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, the second is between the calcaneus and the skin of the sole of the foot, and the third is between the Achilles tendon and the skin. Inflammatory process of any of these bags was called "heel bursitis."

Why does heel bursitis occur, and what is it?

This disease can occur as a result of a prolonged strain on the Achilles tendon or injury:

1. Often with the symptoms of calcaneal bursitis, young women and women who wear shoes with high and thin heels turn to the doctor. If a long time to wear a narrow uncomfortable shoes with a hard back, bursitis of the heels of both legs may occur.
2. Bursitis of the heel is considered an occupational disease of athletes, who are characterized by prolonged physical activity and frequent injuries.
3. Bursitis of the heel can also occur due to getting into the synovial bag of infection.
4. One of the causes of this disease is called excess body weight.

Symptoms of calcaneal bursitis

It is not difficult to diagnose this disease. Symptoms, as they say "face", in this case - on the heel. Distinguish between acute and chronic heel bursitis.

Symptoms of acute calcane bursitis:

1. With acute bursitis, the first symptom is severe pain in the joint , which is worse at night.
2. The pain is aggravated by walking and physical activity, causing a restriction in the movement of the entire ankle joint.
3. Painful sensations increase when trying to stand on the socks.
4. The skin over the site of inflammation acquires a reddish hue, possibly an increase in local temperature.
5. Then a dense tubercle appears, painful to the touch, indicative of puffiness of nearby tissues.

If you do not start timely treatment, then acute heel bursitis can go into a chronic stage.

Symptoms of chronic calcaneal bursitis:

1. In the chronic course of the disease, pain and limited mobility of the joint occur only in the period of exacerbation.
2. During the period of remission, the disease reminds of itself a slight swelling over the inflamed bursa.
3. Over time, due to excess fluid accumulation in the synovial bag, it increases in size, which brings tangible discomfort to the sick person.

If an infection gets into the synovial bag, infectious heel bursitis may begin.

Symptoms of infectious heel bursitis:

1. Above the site of inflammation is the formation of an abscess (compaction with purulent contents).
2. Then follows a sharp increase in body temperature with symptoms of general malaise - headache and weakness.

A possible complication of purulent calcane bursitis can be arthritis of the ankle and damage to ligaments and tendons. This situation requires immediate medical intervention.

To clarify the diagnosis, patients with symptoms of calcaneal bursitis are prescribed radiography. It is an auxiliary method of diagnosis, but it helps in solving several problems posed to the doctor. First of all, the pathology of the joint and the presence of bone lesions are excluded or confirmed. Signs of inflammation in deeply located synovial bags can be seen only on X-rays, they are made in two projections.

Bursitis of calcaneus or cyst?

There is such a disease, which in people is called "bursitis of the calcaneus." Although such a diagnosis is not correct. Education in the calcaneus medics is defined as a cystic tumor. This is a benign formation, 5-6 cm in size. Most often on the calcaneus, a single cyst is formed, with clear boundaries and contours that are clearly visible on the X-ray.

In detecting this pathology, doctors recommend its removal, as there is a possibility of its breakthrough into the synovial bag of the joint and the development of calcane bursitis. Also, the appearance of symptoms such as pain and discomfort when walking.

With timely treatment, all these unpleasant diseases can be disposed of and live without pain. If you notice any of the above symptoms, do not delay the visit to the doctor.