What Is Foot Bursitis, and Do You Have It?

You likely know the feeling of a pulled muscle or a bruised bone, but there is a different kind of pain that often catches the patients we see at Goldsmith Podiatry by surprise. And that is bursitis. When these fluid-filled sacs become irritated, they turn from helpful cushions into a source of localized, burning pain. Let’s see why this happens and other symptoms to look out for.

What Exactly is Foot Bursitis?

Inside your feet, your bones, tendons, and muscles constantly rub against one another as you move. To prevent this friction from causing damage, your body places bursae in high-pressure areas. Think of a bursa as a tiny, lubricated water balloon that sits between a hard bone and a flexible tendon. Under normal conditions, you never even notice they are there.

However, when a bursa is subjected to excessive pressure or repetitive stress, it reacts by producing extra fluid. This creates a state of inflammation known as bursitis.

In the foot, this most commonly happens in two places:

1)      at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone, or

2)       on the ball of the foot between the long metatarsal bones.

When the sac swells, it takes up more space than it should and makes every step feel like you are pressing down on a hot coal.

Signs and Symptoms of Bursitis

Recognizing bursitis is often a matter of pinpointing exactly where the pain lives. Unlike the broad, general ache of muscle strain, bursitis pain is usually very localized.

If you press your finger directly onto the affected area, you will likely feel a sharp, immediate sting. You might also notice visible redness or a small, squishy bump that feels warm to the touch.

This localized heat is a hallmark sign that the fluid inside the bursa is currently in an active state of inflammation.

The Primary Causes of Bursitis

You generally sustain foot bursitis through repetitive micro-trauma rather than one single, dramatic injury. And one of the most frequent culprits is tight or poorly fitting footwear.

Additionally, a sudden increase in physical activity, like starting a new running program or spending a weekend shoveling copious amounts of snow, can overwhelm these cushions before they have a chance to adapt to the new level of stress.

Can the Cold Weather Cause Bursitis?

Speaking of cold, you might wonder if the recent cold front can cause bursitis. While the cold itself does not typically create the condition out of thin air, it certainly acts as a major contributing factor.

Cold weather causes soft tissues, tendons, and ligaments in your feet to contract and become less flexible. When these tissues stiffen, they can certainly place more pressure on the underlying bursae, especially during physical activity.

If you’re looking for more foot care tips, give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can help guide you in the right direction.