Rearfoot Conditions
The rearfoot, or hindfoot, includes only two bones: the talus and calcaneus.
Achilles Tendinopathy
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This strong tendon helps you to push up onto your tiptoes.
Achilles tendinopathy is an injury or damage to this tendon, often caused by overuse. It can be painful, cause weakness, stiffness and swelling on the back of the heel, and the tendon might be warm and tender to touch.
It is sometimes known as Achilles tendonitis, although this technically describes one specific stage of the ‘damage’ process.
Ankle Sprain
A sprain occurs when one or more of the ankle's ligaments overstretches, partially tears or tears completely.
Risk factors for ankle sprains include playing sport, uneven surfaces, previous injury to the ankle, poor strength/flexibility in the ankle, and improper shoes.
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Complications can include chronic ankle pain, ankle joint instability and arthritis in the ankle joint.​
Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's Disease)
A common cause of heel pain in children, especially children who are very physically active.
Sever’s disease is caused by repetitive stress to the heel. It most often occurs during growth spurts, when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are changing rapidly.
It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 years, because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14.
Heel Bursitis
Heel bursitis is a painful condition that affects the area between the heel bone and Achilles tendon. It can affect the ability to move your foot or ankle.
The bursae act as a cushion and lubricant to protect bones from friction against tendons, muscles or skin. When bursae become irritated there is usually pain and disability until a treatment plan is made.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The tarsal tunnel is located on the inside of the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is caused by compression of a nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. Symptoms of TTS can include pain, tingling or numbness in the foot.
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Some conditions that contribute to TTS may include flat feet, swelling caused by an ankle sprain, a varicose vein, ganglion cysts, swollen tendons or bone spurs. Arthritis or Diabetes can also cause swelling and nerve compression.
Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
The sinus tarsi is a small cylindrical cavity found on the outside part of the rearfoot. Inflammation around this region or injury of any of the surrounding ligaments results in Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.
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Ankle sprains, flat feet and repetitive stress from running can be risk factors for this condition. Early treatment can help to prevent chronic pain.