What to know about the Achilles bursa

Bursae reduce friction where skin, tendon, and bone move close together. One lies between the Achilles tendon and heel bone, while another sits between the tendon and skin. Irritation in either location is called bursitis. Pain may be felt at the back of the heel, especially when a firm shoe presses there or the ankle bends upward. A soft or firm-looking bump, warmth, tenderness, and local swelling can occur.

The discomfort may overlap with Achilles tendon problems, so the exact sore spot and the activities that provoke it help distinguish the structures involved.

Temporarily reduce running, jumping, hill work, or other movements that repeatedly compress the sore area. Choose footwear with a soft or open heel counter and avoid forceful stretching if it pinches at the back of the ankle. A wrapped cold pack can help settle soreness after activity; keep a layer between the pack and skin.

When symptoms begin to calm, restore activity gradually. A physiotherapist can check ankle movement, calf strength, training load, and footwear. Medication or an injection may be considered in selected cases, but treatment near the Achilles tendon needs careful clinical planning.

Arrange an assessment if swelling persists, walking remains painful, the area keeps rubbing against shoes, or symptoms recur whenever activity increases. Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, marked warmth, drainage, fever, or feeling unwell because these can accompany infection. Sudden pain with a snap or pop, rapid swelling, or difficulty pushing off the foot also needs urgent assessment for an Achilles injury.

Ask which bursa appears irritated, whether the Achilles tendon is also involved, and which shoe changes could remove pressure from the painful spot. It is also useful to clarify which activities can continue, how to rebuild calf loading, and what change in symptoms should bring you back sooner.