Foot bursitis is fairly common, especially among athletes and runners. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and lubricates your joints and bones. Although your foot has just one natural bursa, other bursae can form in injured areas of your foot and ankle.

Bursitis Causes

Foot bursitis usually results from an injury, or a lot of stress, as with overuse of the feet, repetitive impact motions on hard floors, badly fitting shoes, inadequate stretching, walking in high heels, or being overweight also stresses your feet.

Some underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or rare infection can also predispose to bursitis.

Areas where you can develop bursitis include A Haglund’s deformity on the back of your heel (known as pump bump), on the bottom of the heel (between the heel bone and the plantar fascia), on your Achilles tendon sitting under the skin as a result of continued friction against tight shoes. Also, on a Bunion or tailor’s bunion where bursa sacs near the toe joints get bigger and inflamed.

Common Symptoms of Bursitis

Common symptoms of foot bursitis include pain with the related joint motion, swelling, redness, warmth or stiffness around the joints, and increased pain associated with walking, standing on tiptoes, or bending the foot.

Bursitis Treatments

Upon examination, your doctor will run some tests, including X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, blood tests, and ultrasound-guided removal of joint fluid to ensure you don’t have a fracture, gout, or an infection. 

Treatment usually starts with conservative methods, which include rest, icing, foot elevation, wearing proper supportive fitting shoes, heel cushions, performing stretching exercises, taking anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy sessions, cortisone injections may be recommended, and prescribing shoe inserts with arch support and heel cup.

Surgery is a reserved option if your pain persists beyond six months and if the other conservative methods didn’t help.

Advanced Foot Care Can Help

Contact us if you have pain in your heel that doesn’t go away. Getting a diagnosis and treatment early on can save you from future pain and give you an early safe return to your daily activities.  

More and more emphasis is being placed on teaching our youngsters about living a healthy lifestyle.  Kids are taught early on to eat well, stay active and to be aware of their bodies.  Much advancement has been made in the areas of pediatric diet and exercise routines.