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How Is Calcaneal Bursitis Treated?

Calcaneal bursitisn refers to an inflammation of the area between the tendon that runs down through the human leg to the heel, and the calcaneal or heal bone that sits at the base of the foot. In between these two areas is the calcaneal bursa, which when inflamed leads to extreme tenderness in the area.

In some cases, self-treatment is all that is needed. By wearing looser shoes, adding soft padding to existing footwear, and in the case of women foregoing high heels for a while, some lucky sufferers can make the condition go away. Especially when combined with regular icing and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.

Physical Therapy

With a condition like calcaneal bursitis, it's as important to mitigate against it returning as it is to eliminate it the first time it comes around. Physical therapy can play a key role in these efforts by helping an individual add strength and flexibility to the ankle area. In some cases, ultrasound treatment is also incorporated into the physical therapy appointments.

If the Achilles heel is also affected with tendinitis, something more dramatic may be required such as encasing the foot in a temporary cast for several weeks. There are also over-the-heel custom heel wedges that can be purchased and inserted in footwear.

Runner's Rest

Runners who come down with the condition are often hard-pressed to surrender to one portion of the treatment: no running. Typically, a runner will need to take a two-week break and then slowly start running again. For those competitively training, this can be an excruciating price to pay and, sure enough, some foolishly either start running again too soon, or too hard.

Some runners also wait too long before dealing with the lower heel pain, even running marathons before seeking treatment! One runner found a miracle cure of sorts in the form of petroleum vasoline jelly. This individual had incurred heel spurs from the condition as well, but swears that applying the gooey stuff and  massaging the area on a daily basis did more for him than any other form of treatment.