Bursitis: Read All About Bursitis and How to Get Help

Are you suffering from bursitis? Bursitis can affect many different parts of your body, including the heels, ankles, knees, hips, elbows and lower back.

If you think you may have bursitis, or just want to learn more about bursitis, read on. FootSmart has teamed with The Podiatry Institute to compile a list of frequently asked questions on lower body bursitis.

What exactly is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of fluid-filled cushions called the bursa, which protect the body’s joints and allow you to easily move different parts of your body.

What causes burisitis?

The following factors can lead to bursitis:

• Just the act of aging can lead to bursitis. As we age, the bursa’s natural ability as a shock absorber diminishes, leading to possible irritation and inflammation.

• Repeating the same motion over and over again can cause bursitis.
• Twisting or rapid joint movement can lead to bursitis.
• Overusing a joint can cause you to develop bursitis.

What areas of the body can be affected by bursitis?

Any area where there is a joint, though it commonly appears in elbows, shoulders, knees and feet, are areas where bursitis can become present. When there is bursitis in the foot, it typically occurs in the heel, the back of the heel, the ball of the foot or at the base of the big toe joint in conjunction with a bunion.

What are the different symptoms of bursitis?

The main symptoms of bursitis are pain, inflammation and swelling, but can also result in the following symptoms:

• Bursitis can produce heat, which will radiate up from the painful area.
• Bursitis may restrict your use of certain joints.
• Bursitis can lead to weak muscles.
• Bursitis can cause a complete loss of motion.
• Bursitis may increase morning pain, or you may just feel more pain in the inflicted area after being still for a long time.

How can I stop the pain of bursitis?

If you have bursitis, you can do several things to help relieve discomfort:

• Sufferers of bursitis should rest the joint to ease pain.
• Discontinue any strenuous activity involving the joint to relieve pain from bursitis.
• Apply ice or cold packs every 15 minutes to reduce swelling and inflammation due to bursitis.
• Bursitis sufferers can take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary to reduce pain.
• Try range of motion and stretching exercises as tolerated to help ease pain from bursitis.
• Sufferers of bursitis can use cushioned insoles and padding to relieve pressure points in the shoes.
• Wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes to help alleviate the pain of bursitis.
• If bursitis pain is in the ball of your foot or your toes, make sure your shoes have a large enough toe box for comfort.

Should I see a doctor to help ease symptoms of bursitis?

If your problems with bursitis get worse or treatment options don’t seem to be working, The Podiatry Institute recommends that you make an appointment with your physician. In some cases, people with bursitis may need to take anti-inflammatory medicines (such as cortisone) or steroids to help shrink the bursa. In rare circumstances, people with bursitis may need to have the inflamed bursa excised.

Does FootSmart sell any products to treat bursitis pain, swelling and inflammation?

Yes, FootSmart has a wide selection of products for bursitis sufferers, including heel cushions, insoles, comfort shoes you can adjust for swollen feet, ball-of-foot pads, ankle wraps and much more. Click here for a selection of products to ease bursitis pain.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like bursitis provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.