Question
Hello Doctor Schneider,

My 15 year old niece has been conditioning for basketball for the last few
weeks and has developed pain running down the lower back  area of her ankle
to the heel. She says that the pain occurs when she walks and it is almost
always present for the last week. In the last few days, a small bump has
developed,perhaps due to increased strain,due to her daily 2 hour practices.
She has had the ankle looked at and is supposed to start physical therapy
next week. I am wondering if there is anything we can do in the mean time
and what you think the cause may be. Are there any topical treatments that
could be used? Is there anyway to prevent this issue from occurring again or
worsening? Thank you so much for your advise!

Answer
The "bump" that has developed is likely the inflammation around the tendon.  Calf stretching will be helpful, as is applying ice.  Topically, I recommend Biofreeze, which can be purchased through health care providers.

The underlying cause is mechanics.  I suggest your niece get evaluated by a podiatrist and, if appropriate, pursue orthotics to balance her mechanically.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/houstonpodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/houstonfootdoc