Do you have pain and swelling in your joints and it hurts when walking? If your answer is yes then you may have bursitis. Before visiting your doctor for an exam, read this article about the disease and stay informed & decide better.
What is Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?
Bursitis is the swelling, redness, or inflammation of fluid filled sacs. Bursae are bags filled with liquids that form around your joints.. The retrocalcaneal bursa acts a cushion around the achilles tendon which passes over the heel bone and absorbs the impact while walking. When the achilles tendon rubs on the bursa around your heel it gets swollen leading to development of retrocalcaneal bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is referenced to be the most common type of heel bursitis. Immune deficiencies like HIV or those who have received chemotherapy are at higher risk of developing bursitis.
If the symptoms are considered, we find two main manifestations i.e., heel pain and tenderness. Moreover, the assessment part must be done by a doctor. Over the counter medications, such as corticosteroids, can be used to reduce pain and heal inflammation. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can also be injected into the bursa to relieve them.
The retrocalcaneal bursa is a fluid-filled sac that encloses the space between the heel (calcaneus) bone and the achilles tendon. Excessive walking, running, or jumping can all lead to retrocalcaneal bursitis. Doctors sometimes misinterpret it as Achilles tendonitis, but two conditions can occur at the same time. It is common among athletes, especially runners and ballet dancers.
What are the symptoms?
The main and most basic symptom of the retrocalcaneal bursitis is termed as heel pain. You can only feel pain when you insist on your heel.
Other symptoms may include:
- Calf muscle pain when running or walking
- Swelling behind your heel area
- Hardness
- Pain when leaning back on your heel
- Red or hot skin on the back of the heel
- Loss of movement
- Cracked legs
- Shoes are getting uncomfortable.
How is Retrocalcaneal bursitis treated?
To find out the exact cause of joint pain and swelling, doctors may recommend a blood test or
fluid analysis from the inflamed bursa. X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds can help in the diagnosis of
bursitis.
Treatment of bursitis varies depending on the type of bursitis and swelling of the hips, shoulders,
elbows, etc. Infectious bursitis that is not infected can be cured with adequate rest, ice stability,
the elevation of the affected area, and painkillers.
What is the cost of treatment in India?
The injection method and surgical operation require a higher cost than other treatment methods such as OTC drugs to remove the cause of inflammation. The cost of corticosteroid injection and surgery can range from 7000 / – to 140000 / -.
Medicines and physiotherapy require low cost from 500 / – to 5000 / -. Mild bursitis that recovers on its own with ice rest and compression does not require any additional cost.
Are the treatment results permanent?
In most cases, treatment is permanent until the affected and inflated part of the body is relaxed. However, excessive pressure or overuse on the one-time affected area may cause pain and swell
with more restraint.
Thus, for treatment to be permanent, people must be careful and take precautions.
Steps for managing Retrocalcaneal Bursitis-
Phase 1 – Relax the leg. Stop all pain-causing activities for 1-2 weeks.
Phase 2 – Applying ice to the affected area or painful area for 10 minutes and probably e 2 to 3
times a day for the continuous 10 minutes also one should also remember that the eye should not
be applied directly to the skin as it can cause frostbite
Phase 3 – Consuming an anti-inflammatory such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen can certainly help to
reduce inflammation and pain.
Phase – 4- Reduce pain with heel support while walking. The silicone heel cup helps relieve
pressure on running and can provide comfort.
Symptoms usually resolve within 2-3 weeks. When starting the exercise, start slowly as the previous injury does not progress again. Walking and running and running and finally, jumping and running. If you feel any pain, then tone down.
Steroid injection is given by the physician to reduce inflammation in the retrocalcaneal bursa if above-mentioned steps don’t reduce the Achilles bursitis.
Are there any side effects?
The risk of complication with the methods of treatment for bursitis is comparatively low. However, corticosteroid injection method of treatment may cause some side effects in people. These side effects are very rare and mild and resolve within a few days. Some side effects of the injection method are wound and swelling at the injection site. People may face frequent hiccups, increased appetite and increased heart rate, insomnia, headaches, stomach cramps or flatulence.