There are many different components in the feet and ankles, each one with its own specific function. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons and muscles around the joints and helps the joint move smoothly. Unfortunately, repetitive motion or sudden injuries can cause the bursa to swell, causing painful inflammation in the joint known as bursitis.
How to Relieve Bursitis Foot Pain
While bursitis can occur throughout the body, the most common locations for bursitis in the foot are the heel (between the Achilles tendon and heel bone) and the first joint of the big toe. Symptoms often include pain, stiffness, or swelling in the area which worsens with activity.
Most cases of bursitis can be relieved through conservative treatments, including.
- Rest. Rest and elevation can be extremely effective in treating all kinds of overuse injuries, including bursitis. Applying ice to the area several times a day can help relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
- Cushioning. You may need to pad the area while you are healing to stop bursitis from getting worse. Properly supportive footwear relieves the stress on the bursa, preventing the condition from coming back.
- Orthotics. If you have chronic bursitis, a podiatrist can examine your feet to discover the underlying cause. Some patients are more prone to bursitis due to their activities or lifestyles, and may need custom orthotics to relieve the pressure on their joints.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy helps build the muscles in the feet and ankles, allowing them to cope with the impact instead of burdening the bursa.
There are many different causes of heel pain, and each one should be diagnosed by a podiatrist to start you on the proper course of treatment. If you are struggling with recurring foot pain, the foot and ankle specialists at Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry can help you find the solution. Simply fill out our online contact form or call us at (301) 515-FEET to set up your free initial consultation.
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