Therapy
In order to successfully counteract Achilles tendonitis or bursitis, the focus is on consistent relief and keeping the affected foot still. In addition, the signs of inflammation can be combated by cooling and by taking anti-inflammatory pain-relieving drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac). If this is not sufficient, treatment can be extended to the application of ointments containing cortisone or the administration of cortisone injections into the affected area.
Furthermore, insoles for the shoes, heel cushions or improved footwear can promote a more homogeneous foot position or foot load and the implementation of physiotherapeutic therapy can counteract a muscular imbalance. An additional therapeutic measure, which can be applied especially in the case of an existing heel spur, is the so-called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), in which local pressure waves can in some cases lead to a reduction of symptoms. Surgical interventions are only necessary in rare cases in the context of inflammation of the heel, so that they are only considered as a means of last resort in the absence of success of conservative therapy.
