Retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel mucositis).

Heel mucosal inflammation, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, is a condition that can cause pain and inflammation on the back of the heel.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis can occur after a single trauma (fall or accident) or repeated microtraumas. Mucositis in the heel can also occur from something as simple as standing on the heel for large parts of the day on hard surfaces.

Due to the position of the mucus, it is prone to trauma or friction injuries. As you can see in the picture below, it is located at the back of the heel, just by the attachment from the Achilles tendon.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Photo Wikimedia

What is a slimy bag / bursa?

A bursa is a fluid-filled 'mucus sac' found in various parts of the body. These mucous sacs are designed to reduce friction between different layers of tissue - thus they are typically located in areas that may be prone to such frictional damage.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis symptoms

The area can become hot, painful and reddish in the skin - a clear swelling will usually also be present. In other words, it will feel like an inflammation of the heel, and the pain is in most cases also present at night. In certain cases (for example in the absence of treatment) the inflammation can become septic, and is then called septic retrocalcaneal bursitis.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis treatment

• Get diagnosed with your doctor.
• NSAIDS and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Rest. Avoid suspicious causes.
• Support and possibly sports tape or kinesio tape to prevent further irritation.
• Light stretching of relevant muscles - such as tibialis musculature.
• If there is no improvement, consult a doctor or emergency room.

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Compression sock

Anyone with foot pain and problems may benefit from compression support. Compression socks can contribute to increased blood circulation and healing in those affected by reduced function in the legs and feet.

Also read:
- Pain in the heel (learn about various causes of heel pain and what you can do to get rid of them)

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