Institute for Sports Medicine Frankfurt Main

Haglund-heel, bursa irritation under the Achilles' tendon

1. What is that?

bony prominence at the rear upper heel bone. Often connected with inflammatory soft part changes (Bursitis=bursa irritation or Achillodynien, Insertionstendopathien=irritation of the Achilles tendon)

2. Anatomy

The Calcaneus (the heel bone) is the largest tarsal bone. At its rear range the Achilles' tendon sets, at its lower internal range begins the Plantaraponeurose.

3. Function:

When going and with heel run the Calcaneus places the 1. Edge contact of the foot on the underground.

4. Injury mechanism:

Often due to continuing pressure load (wrong footwear) developing chronic provoking of the bursas between Achilles' tendon and Haglund bump of the heel bone.

5. Symptoms:

- Pressure pain above the beginning place of the Achilles' tendon and at the rear heel bone
- visible swelling
- occasionally turning red

6. First measures:

- Completion of the sporty load (at least the part of the pain releases)
- Cooling the place concerned

7. Diagnostics:

- orthopedic investigation
- Ultrasonic
- Roentgen

8. Therapy:

a) Conservative therapy
- Change of the footwear (yield heel cap, insert) or open shoes, opening
- Sales increase (firm cork insert) to the discharge
b) Operational therapy
- with chronic complaints carving of the bony spur and distance of the along-ignited bursa

9. Physiotherapy:

- Electrical therapy
- Massages for the relaxation of the calf musculature
- Stretch for the relaxation of the calf musculature

10. Prevention:

- good footwear (run shoes) particularly during sporty load e.g. marathon race

Top