What is Bursitis? Bursitis is a condition where one of the small fluid-filled sacs in your foot, called a bursa, becomes irritated or inflamed. These bursae are designed to cushion movement between bones, tendons, and soft tissues. When one near the back of your heel becomes inflamed, it can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain – especially when rising onto your toes or walking after rest. The area may also feel warm to the touch.
What causes Bursitis? Bursitis in the heel is often linked to overuse and increased pressure on the back of the foot, especially where movement or loading occurs without sufficient support or conditioning. Common causes include:
- Repetitive movement of the ankle and foot (e.g., long-distance running or dancing)
- Sudden increase in physical activity without adequate build-up
- Tight or poorly fitting footwear
- Biomechanical issues affecting gait or loading
How is Bursitis treated? Reducing inflammation and relieving pressure on the affected area are key steps in managing bursitis. At Total Foot Health, your treatment plan may include:
- Resting the affected foot and modifying activity
- Applying ice to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Wearing supportive footwear to offload the area
- Ultrasound-guided cortisone/steroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce inflammation in more persistent cases
- Bespoke orthotics to address underlying mechanical issues and redistribute pressure
- A tailored exercise or rehabilitation programme when appropriate
It’s important not to self-diagnose or rely solely on general advice, as heel pain can stem from several different causes. Accurate diagnosis is key – and often requires clinical assessment and imaging such as ultrasound.
We do not recommend comparisons between conditions such as Bursitis and Achilles Tendonitis without professional input, as they may present similarly but require entirely different treatment approaches.
Total Foot Health is an RCOP-accredited practice, offering expert diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual biomechanics and condition.
