Foot Bursitis

Throughout the body there are hundreds of small fluid-filled sacs, called bursa sacs, that act as cushions to reduce friction and pressure between bones, tendons and muscles. Foot bursitis occurs when the bursa in the foot becomes inflamed, causing pain and discomfort.

Some of the more common causes for bursitis in the foot include a direct blow to the bursa, overuse and repetitive movements, prolonged foot stress, constant pressure on the bursa from ill-fitting shoes, and underlying inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout.

Most people with foot bursitis experience these common symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness in the toes, ball of the foot or heel
• Pain or discomfort when walking, jogging or running
• Pain when wearing certain footwear
• Swelling
• Loss of motion of the foot

After a diagnosis of foot bursitis, Lancaster Orthopedic Group’s foot and ankle team may recommend a period of rest, ice or cold packs, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, or, in severe cases, drainage of the fluid in the bursa. Surgery to remove bursa may be indicated if the bursitis becomes chronic and ongoing pain becomes unbearable.