Heel Bursitis

Heel bursitis is a condition characterised by the inflammation of the bursa located at the back or bottom of the heel. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion and reduces friction between tissues of the body.

Causes of Heel Bursitis

Heel bursitis typically occurs in one of two areas:

  • Retrocalcaneal Bursa: Located between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon.
  • Subcutaneous Calcaneal Bursa: Located between the skin and the Achilles tendon.

When these bursae become inflamed, they cause significant heel pain and discomfort, impacting daily activities and mobility.

Heel bursitis can result from various factors, including:

  • Repetitive Stress: Overuse or repetitive movements, particularly in activities like running, jumping, or standing for prolonged periods.
  • Inappropriate Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or lack proper support can increase pressure on the bursae.
  • Foot Biomechanics: Poor foot alignment or motion can cause excessive stress on the heel.
  • Injury: Direct trauma or injury to the heel.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can contribute to inflammation of the bursae.
Heel Pain - Elite Foot Care Sunshine Coast

Symptoms of Heel Bursitis

The symptoms of heel bursitis can vary but often include:

  • Heel Pain: Sharp or throbbing pain at the back or bottom of the heel, especially noticeable when walking or standing.
  • Swelling: Visible swelling and inflammation around the heel area.
  • Tenderness: The area may become tender to touch.
  • Redness and Warmth: The skin overlying the bursa may appear red and feel warm.`

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heel bursitis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, which may include:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing pain, tenderness, and swelling around the heel.
  • Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI to confirm inflammation of the bursa and rule out other conditions such as Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis.

Heel Bursitis Treatment Options

Treatment for heel bursitis typically involves a combination of conservative methods aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition and giving the heel adequate rest.
  • Footwear: Utilising supportive and cushioned footwear to reduce stress on the heel.
  • Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices can enhance foot alignment and alleviate pressure on the heel.
  • Exercise Rehab Programs: Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can be beneficial.

 

If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the inflamed bursa.

Read more about the treatment options for heel bursitis below:

Sunshine Coast Custom Orthotics

Custom Orthotics

A custom orthotic supports and aligns your lower limb putting the muscles and joints it in a position of congruence. Elite Foot Care has a state of the art custom orthotics manufacturing lab on the Sunshine Coast. This allows us to have complete control over the manufacturing process, resulting in

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Running and Gate Assessments at Elite Foot Care

Gait and Running Assessments

Walking and running will be assessed with video analysis giving us the most accurate information to evaluate the patients upper body functions through to their lower limbs. The presenting injury/symptom will be assessed upon relevant medical history, conditions, occupational hazards and physical activities. Once a thorough medical screening has been

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Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) is a manual therapy technique that aims to restore normal function to the foot and lower limb by addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on symptom relief, FMT targets the root cause of pain and discomfort, promoting long-term healing

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Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy has positive effects on tissue regeneration for tendons, bones, muscles and cartilage. It is a great treatment option for acute and longterm soreness and injury. The Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave uses single acoustic pressure waves to treat musculoskeletal and dermatological pathologies.

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Footwear Assessment

Footwear Assessments

Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we

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Foot and Ankle Strapping - Elite Foot Care

Strapping

Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.

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Footwear Modification - Elite Foot Care

Footwear Modifications

Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.

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Exercise Prescription - Elite Foot Care

Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.

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Heel Bursitis Preventive Measures

Preventing heel bursitis involves adopting measures to reduce stress on the heel:

  • Wearing properly fitting, supportive footwear
  • Gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities
  • Maintaining healthy foot biomechanics through the use of custom orthotics
  • Regularly performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf muscles
  • Ensuring adequate warm-up before engaging in strenuous activities

 

At our Sunshine Coast podiatry clinics, we are experts in diagnosing and treating heel bursitis. Our experienced podiatrists create custom treatment plans designed to address the root cause of your pain and promote long-lasting relief.

We are committed to restoring your comfort and mobility through advanced diagnostic tools and comprehensive treatment options.

Experiencing heel pain? Suspect heel bursitis? Contact our friendly reception team on 07 5328 3588 or book online.

Jay Lewis Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Jarrod McGuinness Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Dean Taylor - Elite Foot Care
Daniel Neil - Elite Foot Care
Ajay Mahadev - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Josh Taylor - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Gabrielle Riach - Elite Foot Care

Our Therapists

Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.

They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes. 

Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Benefits of a personalised treatment plan

Reduced Pain

Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.

Increased Strength

With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.

Become More Active

Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.

How it works

1. Schedule an Appointment

Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.

2. We Handle the Details

Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.

3. Be More Active With Less Pain

Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.

What you'll get...

Experienced Podiatrists

Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultations

Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.

Communication

Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.

Best Treatment Technology

We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

On-site Manufacturing

Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.

Begin your journey to a pain free future.

Woombye Podiatrists

4/40 Wilson Avenue, Woombye, 4559

Sippy Downs Podiatrists

15 Fairfax Street, Sippy Downs, 4556
(level 2 in Fairfax Village building)