A bursa is a small sac filled with fluid that is found near tendons, ligaments and muscles within the foot. It acts as a cushion to help protect the foot structure. Bursitis is the inflammation and swelling of the fluid-filled sac and with pressure and movement it causes foot pain.
What Causes Foot Bursitis?
Foot bursitis can be caused from impact in contact sports or from repetitive movements. Other causes of foot bursitis include:
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Not warming up or stretching before exercise
- Walking in high heels for long periods
- Haglund’s deformity
- Gout
- Arthritis, thyroid conditions or diabetes
- Infection
- Bunions.
What Are Some of the Symptoms
The most common symptoms of foot bursitis include but not restricted to;
- Pain with movement
- Swelling, redness or stiffness of the joints
- Pain when walking, running or jumping
- Painful to touch
- Increased pain when standing on tiptoes, walking barefoot or wearing tight socks or shoes
- Reduced range of motion.
Treatment of Foot Bursitis
The fact that most daily activities involve weight bearing on your feet, bursitis can take a long time to resolve itself even with prompt treatment.
Treatment can vary drastically depending on the cause of the bursitis, however the following is a guide to a range of treatments you can expect.
- Relax lacing to the forefoot of your shoe
- Make sure your feet are in supportive shoes
- Orthotics
- Dry needling
- Rest and elevate your foot
- Avoid activities that worsen the pain
- Wearing the right shoes and socks
- Exercise Therapy
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
- Icing the area
- Massaging your foot
- Surgical intervention.
Your podiatrist may suggest cortisone injections if your pain remains severe. If your bursa doesn’t improve, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to repair any damage.
Ways to Prevent Foot Bursitis
There are several things you can do to prevent bursitis or recurring bursitis. These include well-fitting shoes, wearing padded socks, warming up prior to exercising and avoid walking barefoot.
Moreland Podiatry – Foot Bursitis
Foot pain can impact your day-to-day life, so it is important to seek advice as soon as you can. If you have any concerns about your foot health, feel free to contact the friendly staff at Moreland Podiatry or make an appointment online today.
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