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.In the foot, there is one naturally occurring bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone (calcaneus). 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.
Common symptoms of foot bursitis include:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Bursitis may also develop under the forefoot, often alongside conditions such as capsulitis, neuroma, metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
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.