Bursitis

Bursitis involves inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the heel or forefoot, reduced with proper footwear and podiatric treatment at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry.

What Is Bursitis?

Bursitis occurs when a bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the space between bones, tendons, and muscles—becomes inflamed. These bursae help reduce friction in your joints and soft tissue. When subjected to excessive pressure, overuse, or irritation, they can swell, causing pain, limited movement, and discomfort.

There are over 140 bursae in the human body, and they play a crucial role in smooth, pain-free movement. In the lower limb, bursitis most commonly affects the heel, ankle, knee, and forefoot.

What Causes Bursitis?

Bursitis usually develops due to repetitive motion, sustained pressure, or direct trauma to the affected area. Some common causes include:

  • Repetitive Movements & Overuse

  • Running, jumping, or prolonged walking

  • Sports such as tennis, basketball, or football

  • Occupations involving kneeling, climbing, or squatting (e.g. gardeners, tilers)

  • Biomechanical & Structural Factors

  • Flat feet or high arches

  • Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the feet)

  • Poor joint mobility and range of motion

  • Abnormal gait patterns

  • Footwear

  • Tight, narrow, or worn-out shoes

  • Hard-soled shoes with no cushioning or support

  • Additional Risk Factors

  • Age 40+, due to reduced fat padding around joints

  • Pre-existing conditions like arthritis, gout, or diabetes

  • Presence of bunions, Morton’s neuroma, or tendonitis

Symptoms of Bursitis

Bursitis symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause and severity. The most common signs include:

  • Pain near joints (heel, ankle, toes, or knees)

  • Tenderness and swelling at the site

  • Redness or warmth around the joint

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion

  • Pain when walking or standing, especially barefoot

  • Numbness or tingling (if nearby nerves are compressed)

  • Pain with certain shoes or activities

Common Types of Bursitis We Treat

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis (back of heel near the Achilles tendon)

  • Subcutaneous calcaneal bursitis (under the heel)

  • Forefoot bursitis (between or beneath the metatarsal heads)

  • Prepatellar bursitis (kneecap)

Diagnosing Bursitis

To accurately diagnose bursitis, our podiatrists will:

  1. Conduct a thorough clinical assessment and medical history review

  2. Palpate the affected area to check for tenderness and swelling

  3. Evaluate your gait, foot mechanics, and joint mobility

  4. Refer for ultrasound imaging if necessary to confirm bursitis and rule out other conditions like tendonitis or Morton’s neuroma

Bursitis Treatment at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry

Our podiatrists use evidence-based, non-surgical treatments to relieve bursitis pain and inflammation while addressing the underlying causes.

Conservative Treatment Options

  • RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation

  • DolorClast® High Power Laser Therapy: Reduces pain and inflammation non-invasively

  • DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy: Accelerates tissue healing

  • Custom Orthotics: Offload pressure from affected bursae

  • Foot and Ankle Strapping: Reduces strain on inflamed areas

  • Footwear Advice: Recommendations for supportive, cushioned shoes

  • Stretching & Strengthening: Corrects muscular imbalances

  • Activity Modification: Adjusts load and exercise to avoid overuse

  • Anti-inflammatory Medication: Prescribed when clinically appropriate

What Happens If You Ignore Bursitis?

Untreated bursitis can lead to:

  • Chronic, long-term pain

  • Nerve compression and associated numbness or tingling

  • Altered gait and secondary injuries (hip, back, or knee pain)

  • Reduced joint mobility and function

  • Recurring inflammation and flare-ups

  • Conditions like Morton’s neuroma, tendonitis, or bunion-related issues

Preventing Bursitis

While not all cases of bursitis are preventable, you can reduce your risk with a few proactive strategies:

  • Wear supportive, well-fitting footwear with good cushioning

  • Avoid repetitive overuse—take breaks during long periods of standing, kneeling, or walking

  • Stretch and strengthen lower limb muscles regularly

  • Use protective padding when kneeling

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress

  • Warm up before strenuous activity and build up your training gradually

  • Address underlying foot issues early with podiatrist-prescribed orthotics

Ready to Find Relief?

Whether your bursitis pain is new or has been lingering for weeks or months, our podiatrists at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry are here to help. We combine advanced therapies and personalised care to resolve the pain at its source and prevent it from coming back.

Call us or book your consultation online to start your journey to pain-free movement.