Causes Of Bursitis And Symptoms Of Bursitis In The Foot And Ankle

By Author: Dr Kiran Reddy Chennuri
Total Articles: 5
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What is Bursitis?

Bursas are small, fluid-filled sacs that secrete a lubricating liquid called synovial fluid which gives cushioning between the bones and other body parts like muscles, tendons, or skin. When a bursa becomes injured or inflamed, it is called bursitis. Bursitis causes muscle deterioration and limited movement in your ankles or feet.

There are 33 joints in the foot, bursae can cause in multiple areas. Most commonly found at the ball of the foot mainly at the metatarsophalangeal joints, fifth metatarsal, and the back of the heel, near the insertion of the Achilles tendon.

What are the causes of bursitis?

Bursa inflammation could be the result of direct force or repetitive action. It can get worsen by an underlying foot deformity or health issues that include Haglund’s deformity, gout, or arthritis.

It can be caused due to wearing tight shoes or high heels, running, jumping, etc

What are the risk factors that may increase the chances of foot bursitis?

• If you have undergone any surgery previously,
• Injury or trauma, such as a hard blow to the heel or ...
... ankle
• Due to bacterial infection, called septic bursitis
• Inflammatory autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, and gout
• Health issues related to thyroid conditions or diabetes
• Bone spurs from osteoarthritis
• Weak and inflexible calf muscles
• Improper stretching before exercising, or playing sports
• Age: anyone can develop bursitis, but it becomes more common with aging
• Obesity
• Haglund's deformity (where a bony enlargement forms on your heel from rubbing against your shoes).

What are the symptoms of bursitis in the foot and ankle?

Symptoms of bursitis include:

• Pain while walking and running
• Severe pain when you try to walk on tip-toe.
• Swelling, redness, or stiffness of a joint
• Pain when you move the joint
• Pain when you touch the joint area.
• A lump on the back of the heel

How is bursitis diagnosed?

A podiatric doctor will examine the foot and ankle. The doctor will ask questions related to the symptoms and what type of sports or work the patient does to understand if the patient’s work involves standing or repetitive motions.

In addition to the above examination, a range of motion test, as well as radiographs will help to determine if the patient has any underlying deformity that may be exacerbating the symptoms.

Other tests include:

• Blood test
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Arthrocentesis –done if any infection /gout is suspected

How is foot bursitis treated?

Treatments for bursitis include:

• Resting the foot, apply ice to the foot, and avoiding activities that are causing more pain.
• Physiotherapy
• Medications
o Topical medications like creams, gels, sprays, or patches
o Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
o Antibiotics: if it is caused due to infection
• Draining the fluid from the swelled bursa with a needle or syringe, which is then tested to check if it is caused due to infection
• To relieve pain and inflammation corticosteroid injections are given
• Surgery is very rare to remove the bursa. It is done only if other less invasive treatments are of no help.

Can bursitis in the foot go away by itself?

Bursitis can go away or can get better on its own with home treatments and lifestyle modifications- that include:

• By applying heat and cold therapy
• Resting your foot in between the work or repetitive activities.
• Avoid sports that give pressure on your foot
• Switch to walking instead of jogging or running
• Use crutches to relieve the pressure on the foot

How to prevent foot bursitis?

Taking certain precautions can prevent or reduce your chances of developing foot bursitis such as:

• Exercise regularly at least for 30 minutes daily.
• Swimming is an excellent activity for reducing stress on the ankle joint and heel
• Warm-up exercises are important before playing sports
• Avoid eating processed foods and sugar
• Maintain a healthy diet that increases mobility and energy
• Wear proper shoes, avoid high heels
• Practice good posture

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