What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is a condition that occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs found throughout the body that help reduce friction between tissues such as muscles, tendons and bones as they move over one another. There area several bursae located in the feet, common areas include, between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, in the joints of the toes, between toes and around the ankle. However, additional bursae can develop in response to repeated pressure or “micro-trauma” from walking, footwear or altered foot mechanics. When this ongoing stress continues, the protective bursa can become irritated and inflamed, resulting in bursitis.

Symptoms of Bursitis

Common symptoms of foot bursitis include:

  • Pain, swelling and inflammation in the affected area
  • Redness and tenderness
  • A feeling of warmth over the area
  • Increased pain after rest, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity
  • Discomfort that may worsen with pressure from footwear or walking

How is Bursitis Treated?

Because bursitis is often linked to an underlying foot condition, effective treatment focuses on addressing both the inflammation and the root cause.

Treatment options may include:

  • Reducing inflammation with rest, icing and anti-inflammatory medication (where appropriate)
  • Laser therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation, and support the body's natural healing process
  • Footwear modification to reduce pressure and friction
  • Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and improve foot alignment
  • Offloading techniques to reduce stress on the affected area
  • Treatment of any underlying foot condition such as bunions or hammertoes

Causes of Bursitis

Bursitis in the foot is often secondary to other underlying foot conditions or mechanical stress. Common contributing factors include:

Bunion or Tailor’s Bunion

Pressure from a bunion or tailor’s bunion can lead to bursitis forming over the bony prominence on the side of the foot, causing pain, swelling and irritation.

Hammertoes

Bursitis may develop on the top of the toes due to friction from footwear over a hammertoe deformity. This can result in redness, tenderness and swelling, and in more severe cases the bursa may become irritated or infected.

Heel Pain Conditions

Bursitis can occur at the back of the heel, either within the natural bursa or adjacent to it. This may be associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or irritation from footwear rubbing against the heel bone.

Ball of Foot
Pain

Bursitis may also develop under the forefoot, often alongside conditions such as capsulitis, neuroma, metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.

Managing Bursitis Long-Term

At FootMotion Podiatry, we take a comprehensive approach to treating bursitis by identifying contributing factors and developing a personalised treatment plan. This helps not only relieve current symptoms but also reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, swelling or discomfort, a podiatry assessment can help determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment options.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT