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Heel trouble: retrocalcaneal bursitis?

Original Post
Joel T. · · Ann Arbor · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 10

After climbing/bouldering sessions over the past few weeks I've had a developing problem with a "popping" "thumping" sensation akin to that a tendon shifting over a bony prominence. This occurs while walking, particularly during plantar flexion pushing off floor, or occasionally when shifting weight while standing. It is not painful, per se, but is very annoying and can get sore after a while. It occurs at, or possibly beneath, the distal attachment of my left Achilles tendon, and a lateral displacement of some sort of mass (tendon, bursa?) is palpable accompanying the thumping sensation.

I have been unable to locate any literature or articles matching these symptoms. All I can find are resources on Achilles tendonitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis, but the common symptoms and signs (pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, local warmth, and lack a pushoff strength) just haven't fit. Until yesterday when I began experiencing a mild aching at the back of my heel while at rest. The thumping subsides with rest/overnight and is climbing associated, but the ache is now persistent, if slight.

For context: I have no prior injuries to this foot, I've been climbing about one year, I climb mid 5.11 and boulder around v3/v4, and wear very tight aggressive shoes (miura vs).

I know more relaxed shoes, more rest, etc etc may help reduce these problems.

My question is if anyone else here has ever had similar problems/injuries, what was diagnosed, what helped, and what recovery looked like? I work in a medical field but am by no means a doctor, and I don't know for sure what structures, tendons, bursa are involved here. Like I said, it's a bit of a mystery, especially the thumping, and I like to know if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks all, be well.

Eddie F · · Edwards, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 25

Possibly "pump bump"/Haglund's deformity? I have it from my climbing shoes and notice shifts or pops every once in a while, and it gets sore after long days of free climbing. I went to a doctor and she said that if it isn't causing any pain in day to day life then it's not worth the treatment. But, this is just what I was told, your situation may be different.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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