Skip to main content

How to Treat Bursitis in the Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What Is Bursitis in the Foot?

Bursitis in the foot occurs when one or more bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons and muscles, become inflamed. These bursae reduce friction in the foot during movement.

There are more than 30 bursae in the foot, with common locations including the ball of the foot, heel, and base of the big toe. When inflamed, they cause foot pain, swelling, and discomfort during walking or standing.


Where Can Bursitis Occur in the Foot?

Bursitis can develop in multiple locations across the foot due to pressure or repetitive strain:

  • Ball of the foot: Often called bursitis of the ball of the foot; pain centres under the metatarsal heads.

  • Heel: Known as heel bursitis, it typically affects the retrocalcaneal bursa.

  • Big toe and great toe: Causes include bursitis big toe, bursitis great toe, and a bursa on the toe, often misdiagnosed as gout or bunions.

  • Top of the foot: Bursitis here causes pain on the top of the foot, especially when lacing shoes tightly.

Each affected location may present with a swollen, warm and painful bursa.

What Are the Symptoms of Foot Bursitis?

The hallmark signs of bursitis in the foot include:

  • Swollen foot, particularly near joints or pressure points

  • Redness or warmth at the inflammation site

  • Localised pain that increases with movement or pressure

  • Stiffness or reduced joint mobility

Pain can be sharp, dull or throbbing. In some cases, bursa foot pain mimics other conditions like plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma.

How Is Foot Bursitis Diagnosed in a Private Pain Clinic?

Diagnosis involves:

  1. Clinical Assessment:

    • Palpation to locate pain

    • Range of motion tests

    • Identifying swelling over the bursa

  2. Imaging:

    • Ultrasound detects fluid accumulation and bursa thickening

    • MRI is used for chronic or complex cases

Accurate diagnosis is essential to distinguish bursitis of the foot from similar foot conditions.

What Causes Bursitis in the Foot?

Bursitis foot commonly develops due to:

  • Overuse or repetitive pressure (e.g. walking, running)

  • Poor footwear that applies pressure to bony prominences

  • Increased load from obesity or high-impact activities

  • Injuries such as blunt trauma to the foot

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes

It is often misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis, particularly when it occurs under the heel.

How to Treat Bursitis in the Foot Conservatively

Initial management aims to reduce inflammation and offload pressure from the affected bursa on the foot.

Non-Invasive Treatments:

  • Footwear changes: Soft soles, wide toe boxes, no high heels

  • Orthotic inserts: Custom or prefabricated to offload pressure

  • Padding or taping: Reduces friction over the affected area

  • Rest and activity modification: Avoid repetitive impact

  • Cold compresses: 15-20 minutes, 2–3 times daily

  • NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen to manage inflammation

These are first-line treatments for bursitis foot treatment and are effective in most early cases.

When Are Injections Needed for Foot Bursitis?

If conservative methods fail after 2–4 weeks, image-guided injections can be offered at a private pain clinic.

Injection Options:

  • Corticosteroid injections: Reduce inflammation rapidly in swollen bursae

  • Local anaesthetic: Offers immediate relief in some cases

  • Aspiration: Drainage of fluid from visibly enlarged bursae

When Are They Used?

  • Severe or persistent foot pain

  • Heel bursitis injection is needed for high-load cases, like athletes

  • Failed response to physiotherapy or medication

Injections are performed under ultrasound guidance for precision.

Can Foot Bursitis Become Chronic?

Yes. Chronic bursitis develops when the bursa is repeatedly irritated without proper treatment. This may lead to:

  • Scar tissue development

  • Reduced joint range of motion

  • Pain during rest or sleep

  • Increased risk of tendon involvement

Ongoing symptoms after 6 weeks should be evaluated for advanced care.

Which Treatments Are Offered at Private Pain Clinics for Bursitis?

Private clinics offer a wider range of treatments for resistant or chronic bursitis:

Advanced Options:

  • Image-guided steroid injections: For rapid reduction in inflammation

  • Aspiration and decompression: If fluid is excessive

  • Shockwave therapy: For chronic heel-related cases

  • Bespoke orthotics: Custom-fitted for long-term offloading

  • Physiotherapy: Strengthening, gait correction, stretching

  • Referral to podiatry or orthopaedics if structural deformity is present

All treatments are tailored to the bursa location (e.g. bursa on toe, bursa on ball of foot).

When Should You See a Specialist for Bursitis Foot Pain?

You should consult a private pain specialist if:

  • Pain persists beyond 2 weeks

  • Foot swelling worsens

  • Pain limits walking or daily activity

  • You've already tried rest, ice and medication

  • You suspect bursitis in the toe or bursitis great toe from bunions

Prompt treatment prevents complications and reduces recurrence.

Can Bursitis in the Foot Be Prevented?

Yes, especially with early intervention and lifestyle adjustments:

  • Wear properly cushioned and well-fitted shoes

  • Avoid standing for long hours on hard surfaces

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce foot load

  • Use orthotic insoles if you have flat feet or foot deformities

  • Stretch calves and plantar fascia regularly

  • Rotate high-impact activities to reduce repetitive stress

Preventive care reduces the risk of bursitis in the foot returning.

Why Choose a Private Pain Management Clinic for Bursitis Foot Treatment?

Private clinics offer fast-access, consultant-led care with advanced diagnostics and treatments:

This ensures accurate diagnosis, targeted relief, and long-term foot function preservation.

Labels:
Location: Milton Keynes, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best Practices for Hyaluronic Acid Injection Aftercare & Physical Therapy Integration

Hyaluronic acid injections have become a cornerstone treatment for joint pain and osteoarthritis, offering patients significant relief when traditional therapies fall short. However, the success of these injections extends far beyond the procedure itself—proper aftercare and strategic integration with physical therapy can dramatically enhance results and accelerate recovery. This comprehensive guide outlines evidence-based aftercare practices that maximise treatment outcomes whilst minimising complications. Whether you're preparing for your first injection or seeking to optimise your current treatment plan, these proven strategies will help ensure your path to pain-free living is both safe and effective. Understanding Hyaluronic Acid Injections Hyaluronic acid injections work by restoring natural joint lubrication and cushioning. This naturally occurring substance acts as a shock absorber and lubricant within your joints, properties that diminish with age and arthritis. The injecti...
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Trigger Finger: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

The human hand is one of our most versatile tools, enabling us to perform a wide range of tasks, from complex activities like playing the piano to basic daily tasks like gripping a cup of coffee. But what happens when this valuable tool starts to malfunction? Enter trigger finger, a condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and even locking of the fingers or thumb. Suppose you’ve been experiencing discomfort in your hands or noticed a snapping sensation as you move your fingers. In that case, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about trigger finger, from its causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment options. What Is Trigger Finger?  Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of your fingers or thumbs gets stuck in a bent position. It may straighten with a snap, much like releasing the trigger of a gun. This is caused by the narrowing of the sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons in your fingers, leading to in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Is Trigger Finger More Common in Certain Professions?

Sometimes the tools we use to build a better future end up taking a toll on us. For many professionals, repetitive movements and constant hand use are an essential part of their job. Still, over time, these actions may contribute to a common condition known as trigger finger. Whether you’re a builder, a musician, or a writer, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of trigger finger is crucial for maintaining optimal hand health and preventing further damage. This blog explores the connection between trigger finger and specific professions, guiding you on how to identify, treat, and avoid this condition. What is Trigger Finger? Trigger finger, medically termed "stenosing tenosynovitis," occurs when the tendons in your fingers or thumbs become irritated, inflamed, or thickened. This irritation can make it difficult for the tendon to move smoothly within its sheath, leading to a "locking" or "clicking" sensation when bending or straightening a fin...
Post a Comment
Read more