Achilles bursitis, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, is a common overuse injury in runners, ice skaters and other athletes. It can also occur in people who wear low cut or poorly designed shoes. Achilles bursitis is frequently mistaken for Achilles tendonitis due to the fact that it occurs when the bursa near the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. The fluid in the bursa cushions the area between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, allowing the tendon to move smoothly over the bone. When the fluid in the sacs becomes irritated from frequent movement, it becomes infected and bursitis sets in.

Inflammation in the bursa causes pain, tenderness and swelling at the back of the heel. The pain becomes worse when running uphill or on soft surfaces, and it can be difficult/painful to wear certain shoes. If you press on both sides of the inflamed heel, there may be a firm spongy feeling.

The RICE (Rest Ice Compression Elevation) method has long been a tried and true treatment for painful joint injuries and inflammation. The best way to treat your condition is to reduce the swelling and rest the ankle. This and a faster healing time are facilitated by the RICE method.

Our "Freezie" Cold Compression Wraps allow you to actively treat yourself using the RICE method. They work to interrupt and slow nerve and cell function in the injured area. Once blood vessels are damaged, they can no longer carry oxygenated blood to the injured tissue- this causes cells to begin to break down. The deep cold provided by our "Freezie" Cold Compression Wraps slows cell function, thereby reducing cellular break down. Additionallu, because coldness numbs the nerves, the wraps also reduce pain! Furthermore, our wraps keep the frozen gel pack separate from the skin. This prevents frostbite and keeps the cold in the area that you need it. A good plan is to apply the "Freezie" Cold Compression Wrap in 20 minute intervals, with at least 45 minutes between each interval. Within a week or two, it may prove useful to see your doctor about passive and more active stretching and strengthening for your injured ankle. If you are an athlete, therapies will most likely be sports specific, and should be discussed with your physical therapist.

When the swelling has been reduced (usually after a period of using the "Freezie" wrap for 1-3 days), you can start using heat therapy, such as the MendMeShop Inferno Wrap. This warms the muscles in the injured area, which increases range of motion and allows for safe, more thorough stretching.

It should be stressed here that in the initial stages of tissue injury, you should avoid treatments that will increase swelling- these include hot showers, heat rubs, hot packs and consuming alcohol. During the initial phases of treatment, the ankle should not be moved in any direction that mimics the direction in which the injury occured.

For more detailed information on how ultrasound helps heal ankle injuries, please see our About Ultrasound section. Essentially, with regard to stretches, tears, and other conditions of the ankle, ultrasound therapy provides stimulation to deep joint tissue. It has been found to aid distended connective tissue, which is important for stretching- this increases range of motion for safer and more effective rehabilitation.

During normal use, physical activity promotes blood flow through your body. Your body responds to the activity by sending oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the muscles, joints and tissues. When we are at rest, the blood flow to your ankle is greatly reduced. However, when your ankle is injured, it really needs a strong flow of blood to manage and speed up the healing process. Since you can't work your ankle without danger of further injury, you need to stimulate the blood flow another way- that's where the Inferno Wrap comes in!

Our innovative Inferno Wraps give you the best Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ available. The innovative Energy Web inside the wrap creates special energy waves which stimulate blood flow by penetrating through the outer layers of your ankle. The energy waves reach deep into your muscles, tendons and cartilage, reducing your pain as they heal the inner tissue.

An Inferno Ankle Wrap gives you unparalleled blood flow stimulation energy. You simply won’t find a comparable product on the market. Other therapy products cannot come close to offering the comfortable, contoured fit and targeted energy treatment an Inferno Wrap provides. You will feel the soothing, deep penetrating warmth as it works to stimulate your blood flow- we guarantee it! Now you can reduce your pain and heal your ankle anywhere with the comfortable, light-weight, easy to use Inferno Ankle Wrap.