Are you experiencing heel pain that is interfering with your movement? If so, there might be two causes: either you’re dealing with Achilles tendonitis or bursitis. Both these conditions are common in athletes, runners, and people with active lifestyles. But how do you know which one you have? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for choosing the right treatment — because while the pain may feel similar, the root causes and recovery approaches are not. That’s where advanced therapies come in.
ANF Therapy®️ is an advanced treatment for Achilles tendonitis and bursitis. It uses small, frequency-charged ANF Devices. This therapy aims to activate your body’s natural healing process, focusing on long-term recovery. Unlike traditional treatments, it doesn’t just mask the pain but works to heal the root cause.
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis occurs as a result of swelling or inflammation in a fibrous band connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone (calcaneus), called the Achilles tendon. This is the strongest and largest tendon that supports walking, running, and jumping.
According to research, about 24% of athletes will have an Achilles tendon injury at some point.
What is bursitis?
Bursitis occurs due to the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called the bursa. This sac cushions joints and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles.
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is the most common form of bursitis, affecting the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone.
Every year, at least 1 in 10,000 people develop bursitis in their knees or elbows, with about one-third of these cases caused by a bacterial infection.
Achilles Tendonitis vs. Bursitis: Key Differences
So, how can you tell the difference between Achilles tendonitis and bursitis? Here are some factors:
Pathophysiology
Achilles tendonitis mainly occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, which results in inflammation. Over time, chronic stress leads to the degeneration of collagen fibres, abnormal blood vessel growth, and fatty infiltration (fat build-up). As a result, the tendon becomes weak, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. Athletes are usually at higher risk of developing Achilles tendonitis due to excessive strain.
In contrast, bursitis occurs due to inflammation and swelling of a bursa, the fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles. Normally, the bursa stays flat, but when irritated by pressure, injury, or overuse, it fills with fluid and becomes swollen. This swelling causes pain, especially when pressed against surrounding tissues.
However, not all bursitis cases involve severe inflammation. Research shows that some inflamed bursae contain inflammatory chemicals like tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukins, which contribute to pain and swelling.
Symptoms
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, common symptoms of Achilles tendon are:
- Pain at the back of the heel and along the Achilles tendon
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Increased pain with activity
- Tenderness to the touch
- Formation of bone spurs
- Swelling that worsens with movement
On the other hand, signs of bursitis include:
- Pain at the back of the heel, often near the heel bone
- Warmth and redness in the affected area
- Swelling
- Tenderness to the touch
- Pain that worsens with pressure or movement
Location of pain
Achilles tendonitis causes pain along the Achilles tendon, usually above the heel. In contrast, bursitis affects the bursa near the heel bone, which causes pain in a slightly different area.
Onset of Pain
Achilles tendonitis pain develops gradually over time and worsens with continuous activity. On the other hand, bursitis may occur suddenly due to trauma or slowly because of conditions like arthritis.
Causes of Achilles tendonitis
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis, including:
- Overuse or repetitive stress (common in runners and athletes)
- Tight calf muscles that put excessive strain on the tendon
- Improper footwear that doesn’t provide adequate support
- Sudden increases in exercise intensity
- Poor running form or excessive uphill running
Conversely, bursitis is caused by:
- Overuse or repetitive motion (common in runners and dancers)
- Direct trauma or pressure on the heel
- Wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes
- Prolonged kneeling or excessive pressure on the heel
Risk factors
Some of the common risk factors of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Age, especially after 30
- Sex (more common in men)
- Physical activity
- Obesity
- Diabetes and metabolic diseases – A study found that 26.7% of type 2 diabetes patients showed signs of Achilles tendon abnormalities, compared to 2.5% of control
- Certain medications like fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Family history of tendinopathy
- Reduced blood flow response after running
On the other hand, factors that may increase the risk of developing bursitis include:
- Occupational and sports-related activities that put pressure on the bursa
- Age as the risk increases with ageing
- Gender differences
- Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout
- Overweight
- Foot anatomy. A flat surface of calcaneal tuberosity increases the risk of retrocalcaneal bursitis by 4.3 times.
- Calcaneus slope – angle above 25° increases risk
- Achilles tendon thickness – Thicker tendon associated with higher risk
Achilles Tendonitis vs. Bursitis: How ANF Therapy®️ Can Help
ANF Therapy®️ (Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy) is an advanced, drug-free treatment that helps manage both Achilles Tendonitis and Bursitis by targeting inflammation, pain, and tissue healing at the neurological level. This therapy utilises frequency-charged ANF Devices, which are applied to specific body areas. These devices aim to optimise the body’s own healing processes and restore balance in the nervous system.
Both conditions affect the back of the lower leg but differ in their origin:
- Achilles Tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically caused by overuse, strain, or repetitive movement.
- Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae and small fluid-filled sacs cushion the joints and reducing friction between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone.
How ANF Therapy®️ Works for Achilles Tendonitis and Bursitis?
1. History
Your ANF Therapist will take a detailed medical history to assess the severity of your condition and contributing factors. Questions may include:
For Achilles Tendonitis:
- When did the pain begin? Did it develop gradually or suddenly?
- Do you feel pain or stiffness in the morning or after exercise?
- Have you recently increased physical activity, such as running or jumping?
- Does the pain worsen when pushing off the foot or climbing stairs?
For Bursitis:
- Have you experienced redness, swelling, or warmth at the back of the heel?
- Is the pain more intense when wearing tight shoes or resting on the heel?
- Have you had any infections, injuries, or previous cases of bursitis?
- Does the pain subside with rest but worsen with movement?
2. Physical Examination
Your ANF Therapist will conduct a comprehensive physical assessment to differentiate between Achilles Tendonitis and Bursitis:
For Achilles Tendonitis:
- Palpation of the Achilles tendon to check for swelling, tenderness, and thickening.
- Range of motion tests to assess flexibility and mobility restrictions in the ankle.
- Resisted movements (e.g., calf raises) to identify weakness and pain under load.
- Biomechanical assessment to identify movement patterns contributing to tendon overload.
For Bursitis:
- Palpation of the back of the heel to detect swelling, heat, and fluid build-up.
- Compression tests to determine tenderness and pressure sensitivity around the bursa.
- Passive movement tests to check for pain during ankle flexion and extension.
- Gait analysis to observe changes in walking mechanics due to discomfort.
3. Application of ANF Devices
After assessing the condition, your ANF Therapist will apply specific ANF Devices to activate different healing responses. These include:
- Positive and Negative Anti-inflammatory Devices – aim to reduce inflammation in the tendon or bursa and relieve pressure in the affected area.
- Antioxidant Devices (Glutathione, Melatonin, and Carnosine) – these are designed to support tissue repair and minimise oxidative stress in the damaged structures.
- Energy Devices – these are meant to enhance cellular function, promote tissue recovery, and restore biomechanical efficiency.
- Nitric Oxide Devices – aim to increase blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to the affected area, accelerating healing.
Hydration is crucial during the treatment, so drinking 1-2 glasses of water per hour is recommended to support detoxification and optimise recovery.
4. Expected Outcome
According to Dr. Mikel H-G Hoff, the founder of ANF Therapy®️, most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved mobility after the first session, often achieving a 50% improvement in symptoms. However, recovery times may vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
5. Follow-Up
Your ANF Therapist will schedule regular follow-ups to:
- Monitor your progress and modify the treatment plan as needed.
- Provide guidance on modifying activities to prevent further irritation.
- Ensure ANF Devices are changed every 72 hours for consistent support in reducing inflammation and stimulating healing.
With consistent therapy, Achilles Tendonitis and Bursitis typically improve within 2–8 weeks, with full recovery depending on the severity of inflammation and structural damage.
Start Your Healing Journey with ANF Therapy®️
If you’re dealing with Achilles Tendonitis or Bursitis, ANF Therapy®️ offers an effective, non-invasive approach to pain relief and tissue healing. To start your treatment, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at www.anftherapy.com/find-clinic.
If you’re a healthcare professional and want to enhance your clinical expertise with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Clinical Education Program at www.anfacademy.com.
