What is Posterior Calcaneal Bursitis?
Many women suffer from a condition commonly labeled “pump bumps” because it occurs in many of those who wear high heels and pumps. The medical terminology is posterior calcaneal bursitis. It is evidenced by pain and tenderness of the posterior aspect of the heel and under the skin. This is due to inflammation of the bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the skin.
This condition is usually caused by friction from ill fitting shoes and is common in women who wear high-heeled shoes. The bursa is usually visibly inflamed and filled with fluid. It is most noticed where the upper margin of the shoe rubs and tenderness and swelling are readily detected.
How to Treat Posterior Calcaneal Bursitis
- Treatment begins with using properly fitted shoes with moderately low heels.
- If so-called “killer heels” must be used, make sure that these fit the user very well.
- Also, if it really is necessary to wear high heels, do not use cigarettes or stilettos. Try to choose heels with a bigger base so that the weight will be distributed to a larger area.
- Better yet, choose heels that also include about an inch of additional height at the front portion of the feet. This is to make sure that the weight is not just set on the ankles.
Home Remedies For Pump Bumps
- Moleskin placed over the skin can help until inflammation diminishes which can take quite awhile.
- Puncturing the bursa or the fluid-filled sac to drain its contents should never be done. If drainage of this sac is really necessary it should be by a physician using needle aspiration.
- Apply ice on the affected heel to reduce the pain. This is also very useful in situations when the heel is warm to touch.
- Using soothing oils, massage the affected area to promote better circulation. This will also lead to faster healing and reduction of the pain.
Physical Therapy for Posterior Calcaneal Bursitis
- Physical therapy is also one of the best ways to treat pump bumps.
- This is best done under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist.
- Still, it can also be done at home as long as the patient’s doctor allows him/her to do it.
- The Achilles tendon will be gently stretched using exercises.
- It is, however, very important not to overwork or overstretch the heel as this will only lead to more complications.