Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about Heel Bursitis and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Table of Contents
- What is Heel Bursitis?
- Symptoms of Heel Bursitis
- Causes of Heel Bursitis
- Diagnosis of Heel Bursitis
- Calcaneal Bursitis Treatment at Home
- Bursitis Treatment by Medicine
- Prolotherapy for Heel Bursitis
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ProHealth Clinic
- Author Bio
- References
What is Heel Bursitis?
Heel bursitis is inflammation of the bursa—a fluid-filled sac—at the back of the heel, most commonly the retrocalcaneal bursa where the Achilles tendon inserts into the calcaneus (heel bone). The bursa’s role is to reduce friction and provide lubrication, protecting the joint. Inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Heel bursitis is often confused with Achilles tendinitis, but they are distinct conditions.(1)
There are two main bursae in the heel: the retrocalcaneal bursa (between the Achilles tendon and heel bone) and the retro-Achilles bursa (above the Achilles tendon). Inflammation of either can cause significant discomfort, especially in adults and active individuals.(2)
Symptoms of Heel Bursitis
Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the back of the heel, especially when standing on tiptoes
- Swelling and warmth around the heel
- Redness or skin color changes near the heel
- Stiffness and difficulty walking, especially with dorsiflexion (lifting the foot)
- Symptoms may worsen with activity or prolonged standing
Heel bursitis is sometimes called “policemen’s heel,” “tennis heel,” or “jogger’s heel.”(3)
Causes of Heel Bursitis
Common causes include:
- Overuse of calf muscles or excessive stretching of the Achilles tendon
- Foot or ankle deformities (e.g., Haglund’s deformity, bone spurs)
- Ill-fitting shoes or high heels
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Infections or trauma
- Linked conditions: Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs
Diagnosis of Heel Bursitis
Diagnosis is based on:
- History of pain and swelling at the Achilles tendon insertion
- Physical exam to rule out other causes (e.g., fracture, Achilles tendinopathy)
- Imaging (X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) to confirm inflammation and rule out other conditions
Consult a doctor if pain persists or worsens, or if you have a history of inflammation or tendon rupture.
Calcaneal Bursitis Treatment at Home
- Rest and avoid aggravating activities
- Apply ice to the inflamed area twice daily for 10–15 minutes
- Use heel cups or comfortable, supportive shoes
- Gentle stretching and physical therapy to maintain flexibility
- Maintain proper posture and avoid high heels
If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional for a tailored treatment plan.
Bursitis Treatment by Medicine
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) for pain and inflammation
- Image-guided corticosteroid injections for severe cases(4)
- Surgery (bursectomy) is rarely needed, usually for chronic or severe cases(5)
Always consult your doctor before starting any medication or injection therapy.
Prolotherapy for Heel Bursitis
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Heel Bursitis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to repair the damage and help Heel Bursitis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of Heel Bursitis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat bursitis in the heel?
Most cases respond to rest, ice, NSAIDs, and supportive footwear. Severe or chronic cases may require corticosteroid injections or, rarely, surgery.
Does heel bursitis go away?
Mild cases often resolve with conservative care. Chronic or recurrent bursitis may require medical intervention. Consult a podiatrist if pain persists or worsens.
Does walking make heel bursitis worse?
Yes, walking can aggravate bursitis, especially if you wear unsupportive shoes. Rest and avoid aggravating activities until symptoms improve.
What does Achilles bursitis feel like?
Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the back of the heel, especially when walking or standing on tiptoes. The area may feel squishy or develop a visible nodule.
Should you massage heel bursitis?
Direct massage on the bursa is not recommended, but gentle massage of the surrounding muscles can improve blood flow and aid healing.
What causes bursitis in the heel?
Overuse, ill-fitting shoes, inflammatory conditions, trauma, and sometimes infections. It can also be associated with Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let Heel Bursitis control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Heel Bursitis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Heel Bursitis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile
References
- Aldridge T. Diagnosing Heel Pain in Adults. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0715/p332.html
- Heneghan M, Wallace T. Heel pain due to retrocalcaneal bursitis-radiographic diagnosis (with a historical footnote on Sever’s disease). 2022.
- Agyekum E, Ma K. Heel pain: A systematic review. Chinese Journal of Traumatology. 2015;18(3):164-169.
- Boone S, Uzor R, Walter E, Elsinger E, Catanese D, Ye K et al. Safety and efficacy of image-guided retrocalcaneal bursa corticosteroid injection for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis. 2022.
- Anderson J, Suero E, O’Loughlin P, Kennedy J. Surgery for Retrocalcaneal Bursitis: A Tendon-splitting versus a Lateral Approach. 2022.
- van Dijk C, van Sterkenburg M, Wiegerinck J, Karlsson J, Maffulli N. Terminology for Achilles tendon related disorders. 2022.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.