Bursitis
Bursitis an extremely common issue that we come across in our clinical practice - one our podiatrists come across on a daily basis. The most common areas we find bursitis are on the back of the heel, the ball of the foot and over / between the toes (often as an additional issue underneath corns and callouses). Have a read below about the causes, and treatments we can offer to get you back on your feet:
What are bursae?
Bursae are small fluid filled sacs which serve the purpose of cushioning and reducing friction between moving parts of your body, particularly around joints. Sometimes these bursae can become inflamed and painful which is a condition known as ‘bursitis’.
What are the symptoms of bursitis?
Bursitis most commonly affects the shoulder, elbow and hip but can be found in the knee, heel and in your toes. It’s commonly described as dull pain, or an ache which may be painful when the area is palpated (pressed) and there will likely be associated swelling, redness and heat over the area. Movement of the joint can be uncomfortable and may sometimes be worse after rest – the hip in particular may feel worse after sitting or lying on the affected side.
How can I get rid of bursitis?
Bursitis treatment can include the use of ice, anti-inflammatory medication, painkillers or steroid injections. Exercises may be prescribed to strengthen any associated muscles. At Bray Chiropody and Podiatry we can carry out an assessment to ascertain if bursitis is the cause of your pain. Thereafter we offer a range of treatments including a tailored exercise plan, acupuncture and dry needling, and non-invasive, pain free MLS® Laser Therapy. MLS®️ offers a drug free alternative to anti-inflammatories and is applied directly over the inflamed bursa to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.
Where pressure is identified as the cause we can offer off the shelf, and customised devices to offload the area in question.