The athlete's foot: the grey zone behind the ankle.
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.
van Giffen
Nicolien
N
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
Seil
Romain
R
Pape
Diederich
D
Nührenbörger
Christian
C
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
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal