Bursitis 2018-01-22T14:51:52+00:00

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Bursitis
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Bursitis

Bursitis

Bursitis is a relatively common condition that can affect many different areas in the body. There are a number of locations in the foot where bursitis can present. Commonly at the back of the heel, under the heel, and at the side of a bunion.

A bursa is a fluid filled sack, which can reduce friction from tendons, think of it like a blister, but sitting deep to the skin. A bursa which becomes inflamed is a bursitis. They can often be accompanied by a redness and swelling over the local area.

Bursae have two main types, adventitious bursa and anatomical bursa. Adventitious bursae form in response to friction, a common place they can be found is overlying a bunion, they can enlarge the area and cause further problems fitting into footwear.

Anatomical bursae are found in normal anatomy, and serve to reduce the friction of tendons, bjut they can still be prone to inflammation in the case of overuse.

Common treatments surrounding bursitis are facilitating rest for the structures involved. With the foot this can be difficult, as we need to walk around, so it can often be achieved through taping or the use of a foot orthotic. The prognosis for bursitis is usually good, and in most cases the inflammation can be reduced quickly, and the underlying cause can then be dealt with.