Ankle Bursitis

If you’ve been experiencing persistent ankle pain, swelling, or discomfort near your heel or ankle joint, you might be dealing with ankle bursitis. This article will explain what ankle bursitis is, what causes it, and how it differs from other common conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries.

If you’re experiencing ankle pain or swelling that isn’t going away, our expert team at Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute in Austin, Texas, is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief and improved mobility!

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What is Ankle Bursitis?

Ankle bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when one of the bursae in the ankle becomes inflamed. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. The ankle bursa most commonly affected is the retrocalcaneal bursa, located between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the Achilles tendon. Inflammation of this bursa is known as Achilles bursitis.

Another common site is near the medial malleolus, the bony prominence on the inner side of your ankle, where ankle bursitis occurs in response to irritation or pressure. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it can lead to swelling, stiffness, and ankle bursitis pain, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably.

Causes of Bursitis in the Ankle

Several factors can lead to inflammation of the ankle bursa:

Repetitive movements or overuse, especially in runners, athletes, or individuals who stand or walk for long periods.
Improper footwear that rubs or puts pressure on the heel or ankle bone.
Direct trauma to the ankle from a fall or impact.
Underlying conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, gout, or infections.
Biomechanical issues like tight calf muscles, overpronation, or an abnormal gait can increase stress on the ankle joint and Achilles tendon.

Ankle bursitis may also develop in conjunction with other foot and ankle conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, making it important to get a thorough evaluation from a specialist.

Symptoms of Ankle Bursitis

The most common signs of ankle bursitis include:

Swelling around the heel or inner ankle
Tenderness and ankle pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes
Redness and warmth over the affected area
Stiffness or a limited range of motion in the ankle joint
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

If left untreated, bursitis can lead to chronic discomfort and may increase the risk of additional soft tissue injuries.

How is Ankle Bursitis Diagnosed?

A podiatrist will begin by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam to assess the location and severity of your symptoms. They may check for swelling, tenderness near the retrocalcaneal bursa or medial malleolus and evaluate how your foot and ankle move.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may be used to rule out bone abnormalities, tendon injuries, or inflammatory arthritis. In some cases, an MRI can provide a clearer picture of the soft tissues around the ankle bursa to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Ankle Bursitis

The primary goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent recurrence. Common treatments include:

Rest and activity modification: Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms and give the bursa time to heal.
Ice therapy: Applying ice packs several times a day can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help manage ankle bursitis pain.
Supportive footwear: Wearing cushioned shoes or orthotic inserts can reduce pressure on the heel bone and ankle bone.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and correct gait abnormalities that may be contributing to the issue.
Corticosteroid injections: In more severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be used to quickly reduce inflammation in the inflamed bursa.
Aspiration or surgery: Rarely, if the bursa becomes infected or doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, fluid may be drained or the bursa surgically removed.
MLS laser therapy: This advanced, non-invasive treatment uses synchronized light wavelengths to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue healing in the affected ankle area.

Most patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks of beginning treatment, especially when they follow a comprehensive care plan.

Preventing Ankle Bursitis

Preventive strategies can lower your risk of developing bursitis or experiencing a recurrence:

Wear properly fitting shoes that offer support and cushioning around the ankle bone and heel bone.
Warm up before exercise and stretch regularly to keep the Achilles tendon and calf muscles flexible.
Avoid repetitive impact activities without adequate rest.
Use orthotic inserts if you have flat feet or other structural issues that stress the ankle joint.
Address foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis promptly to avoid added strain on the ankle bursa.

Taking the First Step Toward Ankle Pain Relief

Ankle bursitis can be painful and frustrating, but with early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, most people find relief and return to their daily activities without ongoing issues. If you’re dealing with persistent ankle bursitis pain or discomfort near your heel bone, don’t wait for it to get worse.

Our team at Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute in Austin, TX, specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ankle joint, including bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendon injuries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief!

Medically reviewed by Liza Chabokrow, DPM

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