Heel bursitis is an ailment commonly found in athletes, especially runners. This condition is often misdiagnosed as Achilles tendonitis. Heel bursitis, or retrocalcaneal bursitis, can occur in combination with Achilles tendonitis. If that's the case, the person will have a difficult time walking without significant discomfort. The retrocalcaneal bursa rests between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. If this bursa is damaged or infected, what follows is heel bursitis.

Pain in the back of the heel is the most common symptom of retrocalcaneal bursitis. This pain emerges when the affected person is running or jogging uphill or running on a soft surface. The injured heel might also be tender and swollen. If that's the case, press down on both sides of the damaged heel and monitor what you feel. If it feels spongy, you probably have heel bursitis.

Avoiding Heel Bursitis

The most effective treatment for bursitis is rest. Rest is nature's most powerful antidote and its most underused. In addition to rest, ice the affected area a few times a day, never applying the ice directly to the skin. As you rest and ice the injured heel, take a look at your footwear. If it's too tight, it has to go.

Heel bursitis can be averted if you have a proper training regimen and the proper athletic wear. If you're a runner, these things are crucial if you want to avoid heel bursitis. Running shoes that are too tight are the most common cause of this type of bursitis. These days shoe manufacturers design shoes for specific sporting activities, so make sure your shoes match your sporting activities.