The retrocalcaneal bursa Surface Anatomy

Location

The retrocalcaneal bursa is located between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus, just superior to the insertion of the tendon.

Significance

Retrocalcanneal bursitis is inflammation of this bursa, often caused by excessive stress without proper conditioning.

Tenderness upon palpation and swelling of the retrocalcaneal bursa area can mean many things. Possible etiologies include retrocalcaneal bursitis, calcific tendinitis of the Achilles insertion, subcutaneous calcaneal bursitis, or a boney process of the calcaneus irritating the Achilles tendon. Distinguishing between etiologies may be difficult clinically due to overlapping symptoms and the possible involvement of multiple pathologies.