What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is inflammation and swelling of fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These sacs act as cushions near the joints between the bones and tendon/muscle insertion. With 33 joints in the foot, bursae can be found in a multitude of areas. They are commonly found at the ball of the foot (especially the metatarsophalangeal joints), the base of the fifth metatarsal, and the back of the heel near the insertion of the Achilles tendon.

Causes 

Inflammation of the bursae can be the result of direct pressure or repetitive motion. It can be exacerbated by an underlying foot deformity or medical condition, including Haglund’s deformity, gout, or arthritis. 

Pressure-related causes generally include tight shoes or high heels. Repetitive motion-related causes may include running, jumping, or improper warm-up prior to exercise. Symptoms of bursitis include pain while walking and running, increased pain when attempting to walk on tip-toe, swelling, redness, or stiffness of a joint, pain with movement of a joint, or pain when touching a joint.

Foot pain is never normal. Everyone with symptoms of foot or ankle foot pain should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who are specially trained to treat the feet and ankles.