Separate sacs are located in the vicinity of the heel. Depending on which of those becomes infected, you may experience one of two types of Achilles bursitis.

also referred to as pre-Achilles bursitis, this form of the condition influences the thin pad positioned between the heel bone and Achilles tendon. Over  time, the irritation of the bursa can unfold, affecting the complete heel.

This condition, also known as retro Achilles bursitis, affects the outer pad, which is located between the Achilles tendon and the skin. If not treated, the outer bursa can become tough and scar-like.

Achilles bursitis occurs because of commonplace activities that are part of any healthy lifestyle. The culprit could be walking, running, jumping, or climbing hills.

Of course, this does not underestimate the importance of regular exercise in your daily routine. But, doing increased physical activities without adequate conditioning, Achilles bursitis can occur. Simply put, older adults who want to stay active should gradually increase their exercise duration and intensity.

Improper shoe wear is another common cause of Achilles bursitis. High heels are a common cause of this condition, but shoes with sharply cut heels can also cause Achilles bursitis. Avoid shoes that cause persistent discomfort, especially in the heel area, as a general rule. Also, keep in mind that a good pair of insoles is essential for a good shoe fit, especially if you have foot problems.

Achilles bursitis is typically accompanied by heel pain and tenderness, as well as visible swelling. Walking uphill or standing on tiptoes exacerbates the pain. Furthermore, each of the two types of the condition has its own set of symptoms.

Symptoms may develop suddenly when resulting from injury or gout, but when posterior bursitis develops due to other conditions, onset will be gradual. Common symptoms include:

• Back of the heel pain, swelling, and warmth

• Wearing shoes while walking is difficult.
• A small, tender red spot on the back of the heel

• Swelling in the heel that may spread to other parts of the foot

When the condition affects the outer part of the bursa, various short-term and long-term effects occur. The common symptoms of posterior bursitis are: 

• Back of the heel pain, swelling, and warmth

• a worn-away top layer of skin on the heel

• The development of a flesh-colored nodule in the affected area

• Scar tissue formation

Because their symptoms are so similar, Achilles bursitis is frequently misdiagnosed as tendonitis. While both conditions can cause heel pain and swelling, tendonitis is caused by an inflamed ligament, whereas bursitis is caused by an inflamed bursa. The two, however, are linked. If left untreated, Achilles bursitis can progress to tendonitis and vice versa.

A home physical exam, as well as some ice and compression, can often cure Achilles bursitis. However, a formal diagnosis from your doctor is recommended.

Your doctor will use X-rays and MRI scans, in addition to a more thorough physical examination, to look for a deformed heel bone or signs of inflammation.

When using exercise to treat Achilles bursitis at home, gradually stretch the Achilles tendon. This will relieve pressure on the bursa and allow for a quicker and less painful recovery.

This exercise necessitates a sturdy wall and approximately three minutes of your time.  Begin about 18 inches away from the wall with your affected foot. Place your foot flat on the floor and lean forward, bracing yourself against the wall. Incorporating this stretch into your daily routine will assist in keeping your Achilles tendon limber and strong.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as others, can help relieve symptoms and speed recovery from Achilles bursitis. Because many NSAIDs are available without a prescription and have manageable side effects, they are an excellent first step toward self-treatment.

A change in footwear can often cure Achilles bursitis. If pain persists after removing heel-pinching shoes, foot prosthetics may be considered. Fortunately, there are a plethora of alternatives to consider.

Insoles are a simple way to improve the comfort of your existing shoes while also protecting you from Achilles bursitis.

Because insoles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, it's best to start your search with a high-quality collection of heel-friendly insoles. They work by adding extra support to the foot to relieve pain and correct gait abnormalities.

Heel wedges are easy to slip into the back of any shoe and provide the necessary support for your heel to overcome Achilles bursitis. They are made of various materials, including natural rubber and silicone, and offer varying degrees of support.

In rare cases, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms of Achilles bursitis. The procedure is simple, and it involves completely removing the offending bursa. A bursectomy, while effective, can cause complications in the area, such as difficulty healing at the incision site.

After two to three weeks of at-home treatment, your Achilles bursitis symptoms should subside, allowing you to resume a healthy, active lifestyle. If the condition does not improve or worsens during this time, consult your doctor.

If you're not sure if your bursitis has healed, wait until all redness and swelling has gone before returning to normal activity. Overexertion during the healing process can cause the bursitis to spread.

The treatments for achilles bursitis are as numerous and varied as the causes. As we age, our feet's bones and tendons take a beating, so taking care of them today is the first step toward a healthier tomorrow. Proper footwear, orthotics, and regular exercise help to relieve the symptoms of Achilles bursitis and are necessary for long-term foot health.