Medical Terminology for Heel Swelling
Heel swelling does not have a single universal medical term, but rather is described by its anatomical location and underlying pathology—most commonly as retrocalcaneal bursitis when involving the posterior heel, or as part of insertional Achilles tendonitis, Haglund's deformity, or calcaneal edema depending on the specific cause.
Anatomically-Specific Terms
The medical terminology depends on which structure is swollen:
Posterior Heel Swelling
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis describes inflammation and swelling of the bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the posterior calcaneus 1
- This presents as swelling lateral to the Achilles tendon insertion, often with a palpable prominence 1
- The retrocalcaneal bursa becomes compressed and inflamed from repetitive friction between the posterosuperior calcaneal tuberosity and Achilles tendon 2
Swelling Associated with Bony Prominence
- Haglund's deformity (also called "pump bump") refers to the prominent posterosuperior calcaneal projection that causes overlying soft tissue swelling 1
- When this prominence causes bursal inflammation, it's termed Haglund's disease or bursitis associated with Haglund's deformity 3
- The condition produces a convexity of superficial soft tissues at the Achilles insertion level 4
Swelling at Tendon Insertion
- Insertional Achilles tendonitis presents with posterior heel pain and swelling at the tendon insertion site 1
- Physical examination reveals prominence medially and laterally to the Achilles tendon insertion 1
Clinical Context Matters
The specific term used depends on examination findings:
- Location of tenderness: Palpating lateral to the Achilles tendon suggests retrocalcaneal bursitis, while tenderness at the insertion itself indicates insertional tendonitis 1, 5
- Aggravating factors: Pain worsened by shoe pressure but relieved barefoot strongly suggests Haglund's deformity with bursitis 1
- Radiographic findings: A prominent posterior superior calcaneus visible on lateral radiographs confirms Haglund's deformity 1, 5
Common Pitfall
Avoid using vague terms like "heel edema" without specifying the anatomical structure involved, as this fails to guide appropriate treatment—retrocalcaneal bursitis may benefit from corticosteroid injection (avoiding the Achilles tendon), while insertional Achilles tendonitis specifically contraindicates local corticosteroid injection 1.