Question
I kind of feel like I can't catch a break. After dealing with ongoing plantar fasciitis pain which was finally resolved by two rounds of cryo...I ended up with posterior tibial tendonitis. I had a long and rocky recovery from the modified kinder with prolonged pain and sensitivity by the surgical area. My most recent pt noticed that my foot was not moving properly, the joint was locking up. He felt that the locking up put extra strain by the insertion (surgical site). After getting clearance from the doctor, he did graston and manipulation which freed up the joint. The pt was also concerned that the orthotic was providing too much support and contributing to my ongoing problems. I did end up going to a different doctor for a second opinion.  This doctor said that the strength and function of the tendon was very good. He felt that the orthotic may be providing too much correction and not allowing my foot to move through the natural gait cycle. For the past three weeks, at the suggestion of the new podiatrist, I have been wearing power step pinnacles in my sneakers and on some days NAOTS without an orthotic and the pain by the surgical site is 90 resolved!!!!!! The pt watched me walk in the footwear and did not see any pronation.

Just my luck, about 4 weeks ago, I started to experience retrocalcaneal bursitis !!!!!!!!!! There is no pain from walking, just discomfort when the area is touched. I saw the doctor today. Of course he does not want to use any type of cortisone near the tendon. He injected an anesthetic in the bursa. He said that the idea is that the saline in the injection will draw out the fluid in the bursa. Hopefully that will help.

My showier has not changed.  I wear well fitting sneakers so I can't imagine that the sudden occurrence of bursitis is caused by my shoe rubbing.

What causes an isolated bursitis without Achilles tendonitis?  Any insights would be appreciated.

Answer
It certainly sounds like you've been through the ringer! It's hard to get a true grasp without seeing you. One suggestion is that moving from
an orthotic to the powersteps could increase frontal plane motion of your heel. That can cause rubbing (not your shoe's fault). Consider an orthotic less controlling than your previous one but more than powersteps
alone.
Good luck!
Andrew Schneider, DPM
http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
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