Ankle Bursitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Bursitis (ber-SEYE-tis) is swelling and pain of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion or shock absorber between a tendon and a bone. A tendon is a cord of tough tissue that connects muscles to bones. When injured, the bursa becomes inflamed (red and sore) and swollen. Achilles (ah-KIL-eez) tendon bursitis is a type of ankle bursitis when the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the heel becomes inflamed.
  
  
• Causes of ankle bursitis include over-using the ankles during sports or other activities, and infection (in-FEK-shun). They include joint problems such as arthritis (ahr-THREYE-tis), wearing poorly-fitting shoes and exercising on hard or uneven surfaces. You may have Achilles bursitis and tendonitis (inflamed tendon) at the same time.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. If you feel it is not helping, call your caregiver. Do not quit taking it unless your caregiver tells you to.
  
  
• Keep track of what medicines you are taking and when and why you take them. Bring a list of your medicines or the medicine bottles when you see your caregivers. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines.
  
  
• Antibiotics: You may be given antibiotics (an-ti-bi-OT-iks) to fight infection if needed. Take them as ordered until they are all gone, even if your ankle begins to feel better.
  
  
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Steroid injection: If your caregiver gave you a steroid (STER-oid) injection (shot), rest your ankle according to your caregiver's instructions. Having this injection may cause you to be at higher risk for a ruptured (torn) or weakened Achilles tendon. Rest your ankle for as long as your caregiver told you to, even if your ankle feels better.

How can I take care of my ankle bursitis at home?

• Rest: The most important part of treating bursitis is resting your Achilles tendon while the bursa heals. Resting your ankle as much as possible may decrease swelling and keep the bursitis from getting worse. When the pain decreases, begin normal, slow movements.
  
  
• Ice: Ice causes blood vessels to constrict (get small) which helps decrease inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness). Put crushed ice in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen corn or peas. Cover it with a towel. Put this on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times each day. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you can get frostbite.
  
  
• Heat: After two or three days, you may try using heat to decrease pain and stiffness. Use a hot water bottle, heating pad, whirlpool or warm, moist compress. To make a compress, dip a clean washcloth in warm water. Wring out the extra water and put it on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times each day. Your caregiver may tell you to alternate (switch back and forth) heat and ice treatments. Follow the caregiver's directions carefully when doing these treatments.
  
  
• Heel pads: Caregivers may give you special shoe inserts with a cutout around the tender area. You may need other shoe inserts (wedges) to raise your heel so it does not press against the back of the shoe. You may also wear shoes that are open in the back, such as sandals that have no strap across the heel.
  
  
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Your caregiver may tell you to do exercises at home. These exercises may help to stretch your Achilles tendon and make it stronger. You may need to go to physical therapy to help your bursitis heal faster.

How can I protect my ankles and help prevent ankle bursitis?

• Do not run if you have pain.
  
  
• Start exercising when caregivers say that it is OK. Slowly start exercise such as bicycling when caregivers say it is OK. When doing exercises that put pressure on the ankles, such as running or walking, exercise on flat, even surfaces. Avoid doing these exercises on very hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
  
  
• Stretch before exercising. Always warm up your muscles and stretch gently before exercising. Do cool down exercises when you are finished.
  
  
• Wear heel protectors. Use soft foam or felt heel pads (wedges or cups) to help decrease pressure against your heel. Ask your caregiver which heel pads are the best for you.
  
  
• Wear well-fitting shoes. Buy running or exercise shoes that support and fit your feet well. Do not wear low-cut shoes. Ask your caregiver if you need specially-made shoe inserts called orthotics (or-THOT-iks).
  
  
• Start treatment right away if you feel pain, warmth or swelling. Rest your ankles and use ice and heat treatments. Ask your caregiver if you should use anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs).

Call your caregiver if:

• Your pain and swelling increase.
  
  
• You develop new, unexplained symptoms.
  
  
• You have a fever.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Ankle Bursitis (Aftercare Instructions)