Ankle Bursitis

A bursa is a fluid filled sack that serves to reduce friction between tendons, and between tendons and bone. Bursa are important structures in both the ankle joint and the subtalar joint, because they ensure that the structures of the joint move smoothly. Bursa can become inflamed due to overuse or stress, causing pain when moving. The major bursa located in the ankle region are the Achilles bursa, retrocalcaneal bursa and the bursa of the medial malleolus.

• Achilles bursa:Also called the subcutaneous calcaneal bursa, the Achilles bursa is located between the skin and the posterior aspect of the distal Achilles tendon. Like the retrocalcaneal bursa, the Achilles bursa is located superior to the insertion of the Achilles tendon. Pain from an injury to this bursa will occur along the back of the ankle, near the heel.
• Retrocalcaneal bursa:Sometimes called the subtendious bursa, the retrocalcaneal bursa is located between the anterior aspect of the Achilles tendon and the calcaneous bone (heel). Like the Achilles bursa, the retrocalcaneal bursa is located superior to the insertion of the Achilles tendon. Pain from an injury to this bursa is concentrated at the back of the ankle by the heel.
• Medial Malleolar Bursitis:Also called the subcutaneous bursa of the medial malleolus, this bursa is located between the skin and the medial malleolus. Injury to this bursa can cause pain along the outside of the ankle at the medial malleolus bone.

• A direct blow to the bursa can produce inflammation and irritation.
• A fall where one lands improperly on the ankle or bursa.
• Constant pressure on the bursa from use of the ankle.
• Repeated stress injury to the bursa and tendons (particularly the Achilles) from a high level of activity, which may also cause tendinitis in addition to bursitis.
• Complications from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout.
• Infection of the bursa or ankle.
• Bursa can become swollen as a response to other ankle injuries the individual may have sustained.

• Pain and tenderness over the location of the bursa
• Swelling
• Loss of motion of the ankle
• Pain with activities that stress the bursa like walking, jumping, running or activities that cause stress on the tendons that are lubricated by the bursa.