title: The athlete's foot: the grey zone behind the ankle.
abstract: Posterior ankle and heel pain is common among athletes. The most common injury in this region is that of the Achilles tendon. However, besides the Achilles tendon, pain can originate from a retrocalcaneal bursitis, posterior impingement syndrome, os trigonum syndrome, or flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis. These pathologies often caused by overuse, but can also occur after trauma. With careful examination, and the help of MRI imaging, the distinction can be made among these pathologies and the more common Achilles tendon problems. Like most overuse injuries, the majority of cases of retrocalcaneal bursitis, posterior impingement, flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis respond to conservative treatment. However, when this fails, open or arthroscopic surgery can be proposed. Arthroscopy is less aggressive than open surgery, with the added advantage of less patient morbidity, less post-operative pain, and early functional rehabilitation. It is becoming the surgery of choice, especially among athletes.
authors.affiliation: Centre de l'Appareil Locomoteur de Médecine du Sport et de Prévention Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg - Clinique d'Eich, 76, rue d'Eich, L-1460 Luxembourg. vangiffen.nicolien@chl.lua
authors.forename: Nicolien
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Giffen
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Seil
authors.forename: Diederich
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pape
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nührenbörger
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002062:Bursitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D014008:Tinea Pedis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal