Hindfoot Conditions

Joint Conditions

  • What it is:
    Subtalar arthritis is the degeneration or inflammation of the subtalar joint, which lies below the ankle joint and allows side-to-side movement of the foot. When this joint becomes arthritic, it can cause stiffness, pain, and difficulty walking on uneven ground.

    Causes:

    • Prior injuries (especially calcaneus fractures)

    • Post-traumatic arthritis

    • Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

    • Degenerative (age-related) wear and tear

    Symptoms:

    • Pain below the ankle, often felt on the outer side of the foot

    • Stiffness or limited side-to-side motion

    • Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces or slopes

    • Swelling or tenderness around the joint

    • Worsening symptoms with activity, improving with rest

  • (Often refers to Tarsal or Subtalar Coalition)

    What it is:
    Hindfoot coalition is a condition where two or more bones in the back of the foot (hindfoot) are abnormally joined together. This can limit joint motion and cause stiffness or pain, particularly during adolescence as the bones mature and harden.

    Causes:

    • Congenital (present from birth but may not cause symptoms until adolescence)

    • Can involve bony, fibrous, or cartilaginous connections

    • Most common types: calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalitions

    Symptoms:

    • Stiffness and limited motion in the hindfoot

    • Pain along the outer side of the foot or ankle

    • Frequent ankle sprains or instability

    • Flatfoot that does not improve with arch supports

    • Symptoms often worsen with increased activity

Soft Tissue Disorders

  • What it is:
    Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick band connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It’s typically caused by overuse and is common in runners and active individuals.

    Causes:

    • Overuse or repetitive stress (especially in sports)

    • Tight calf muscles

    • Sudden increase in physical activity

    • Poor footwear or biomechanics

    Symptoms:

    • Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel or lower calf

    • Swelling and tenderness over the tendon

    • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

    • Morning stiffness or discomfort after periods of inactivity

  • What it is:
    An Achilles tendon rupture is a partial or complete tear of the tendon, often occurring during activities that involve sudden starts or stops. It’s a serious injury that may require surgical repair.

    Causes:

    • Sudden increase in stress (e.g., sprinting, jumping)

    • Direct trauma to the tendon

    • Weakening from chronic tendonitis

    • Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, fluoroquinolones)

    Symptoms:

    • Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf (often described as a "pop")

    • Difficulty walking or pushing off the foot

    • Swelling and bruising in the lower leg

    • Weakness or inability to stand on tiptoes

    • Visible gap where the tendon has torn (in complete ruptures)

  • What it is:
    Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. It cushions the tendon and helps reduce friction during movement.

    Causes:

    • Repetitive stress or overuse

    • Tight shoes or stiff shoe backs

    • Running or walking uphill frequently

    • Coexisting Achilles tendon issues

    Symptoms:

    • Pain and swelling at the back of the heel, just above the insertion of the Achilles tendon

    • Redness or warmth over the area

    • Pain when wearing shoes that press against the heel

    • Stiffness or discomfort with walking or ankle motion

  • What it is:
    Insertional Achilles tendinopathy refers to degeneration and irritation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. It often occurs alongside bone spurs or calcification at the tendon’s insertion point.

    Causes:

    • Chronic overuse or stress on the Achilles tendon

    • Tight calf muscles or poor foot mechanics

    • Aging and tendon degeneration

    • Repetitive uphill running or jumping activities

    Symptoms:

    • Pain at the back of the heel where the tendon attaches

    • Swelling or thickening of the tendon at the insertion site

    • Tenderness that worsens with activity or after rest

    • Pain when wearing shoes that press on the heel

    • Possible bump or bone spur formation at the heel

Bone and Structural Conditions

  • What it is:
    A calcaneal fracture is a break in the heel bone (calcaneus), usually caused by high-impact trauma. It’s one of the most serious foot fractures and can affect how the foot bears weight and moves.

    Causes:

    • Falls from a height landing on the feet

    • Car accidents

    • Severe ankle twisting injuries

    • Sports-related impact

    Symptoms:

    • Sudden, severe pain in the heel

    • Swelling and bruising around the heel and ankle

    • Inability to bear weight on the affected foot

    • Deformity or widening of the heel

    • Tenderness to touch at the back or bottom of the heel

  • Heel Spurs

    What it is:
    A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. It develops over time due to stress on foot ligaments and muscles.

    Causes:

    • Long-term strain on foot muscles and ligaments

    • Repetitive activities like running or walking on hard surfaces

    • Poor footwear or lack of arch support

    • Tight calf muscles or plantar fascia

    Symptoms:

    • Sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning

    • Aching or dull pain after prolonged standing or walking

    • Tenderness at the bottom of the heel

    • Often asymptomatic (not all heel spurs cause pain)

    • Pain may improve with rest and supportive footwear

  • What it is:
    Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel, near where the Achilles tendon attaches. It can cause irritation, especially when wearing shoes with stiff backs.

    Causes:

    • Repetitive friction from shoes (especially rigid heels)

    • High-arched feet

    • Tight Achilles tendon

    • Genetics or inherited foot shape

    Symptoms:

    • Noticeable bump at the back of the heel

    • Pain, swelling, or redness where the Achilles tendon attaches

    • Irritation from shoes rubbing against the bump

    • Blisters or calluses in the area

    • Increased pain with walking, especially in tight shoes