Foot and Ankle Bursitis Treatment | Foot & Ankle Centers

Nearly one in four people will experience foot pain at some point, with bursitis being a common cause. This condition can make everyday activities like walking and standing painful. In this guide, we’ll cover the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips for foot and ankle bursitis, helping you manage pain and improve foot health. Whether you're dealing with discomfort now or looking to learn more, this article has valuable insights to keep you moving pain-free.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints and reduce friction. In the foot and ankle, it can result from repetitive movements, injury, or underlying health issues, commonly affecting the heel, big toe, and ankle. This inflammation causes pain and limits movement. Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven at Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, McKinney, and Little Elm specialize in diagnosing and treating bursitis, helping to alleviate pain and restore your mobility.

Common Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Bursitis

If you suspect you have bursitis in your foot or ankle, recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for proper treatment. Common signs of bursitis include:

• Pain and Tenderness: You might feel sharp pain or a dull ache, especially when moving or pressing on the affected area.

• Swelling: Noticeable swelling is common around the inflamed bursa.

• Warm or Red Skin: The skin over the inflamed area can feel warm to the touch or appear red, signaling an infection or irritation.

• Limited Range of Motion: Pain and swelling may limit how easily you can move your foot or ankle.

Causes of Foot and Ankle Bursitis

There are several things that can cause foot and ankle bursitis.

Here are the most common:

1. Repeated Stress: Activities like running, hiking, or standing for long periods can put excessive stress on your feet and lead to bursitis.

2. Injury: A sudden impact or trauma to the foot or ankle—such as a fall or twist—can irritate the bursa and cause inflammation.

3. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues, such as arthritis or gout, increase your risk of developing bursitis.

4. Improper Footwear: Shoes that don't fit properly, especially those that rub or pinch, can cause friction and irritation, leading to bursitis.

Diagnosis of Bursitis

If you notice persistent pain or swelling in your foot or ankle, it's essential to seek professional care. One of our expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers, with convenient locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Little Elm, specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, including bursitis. During your appointment, a thorough physical examination will be performed. If needed, imaging tests such as X-rays or an extremity MRI may be done, in house, to rule out other conditions and get a clearer picture of the problem.

Treatment Options for Bursitis

Once diagnosed, your doctor will discuss treatment options to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Treatment for bursitis generally involves the following:

1. Rest and Ice: Taking breaks from activities that aggravate the condition, along with applying ice, can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

2. Medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often recommended to manage pain and inflammation.

3. Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around your foot and ankle, improving your flexibility and reducing strain on the bursae.

4. Injection Therapy: In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.

5. Surgery: Although rare, surgical intervention may be required if conservative treatments fail, especially in severe cases of bursitis. 

Our expert doctors, Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven, are ready to help you find the right treatment plan and get you back on your feet, providing the care and support you need to recover fully from bursitis.

Preventing Foot and Ankle Bursitis

The best way to deal with bursitis is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Here are a few tips from Foot & Ankle Centers:

• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. If you're on your feet a lot, make sure your shoes have good cushioning to absorb shock.

• Modify Your Activities: If you’re engaging in repetitive motions—such as running, dancing, or standing for extended periods—take breaks to give your foot and ankle a chance to rest.

• Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the muscles around your foot and ankle can help prevent excessive stress on your bursae.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early treatment for foot and ankle bursitis is crucial to prevent long-term complications like chronic pain and limited mobility. Delaying care can lead to permanent damage to the affected joint. Our doctors at Foot & Ankle Centers emphasize the importance of prompt intervention and are experts in diagnosing and creating personalized treatment plans to help you manage bursitis, reduce pain, and restore your mobility.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or reduced range of motion in your foot or ankle, don’t wait to see a doctor. Scheduling an appointment with one of the specialists at Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, Little Elm, or McKinney will help you determine whether bursitis is the cause of your discomfort and set you on the path to recovery. Prompt medical attention can prevent the issue from worsening and provide you with effective treatment options to get back on your feet.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Now that you have a better understanding of foot and ankle bursitis, it’s time to take control of your health. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or looking to prevent future issues, our expert team at Foot & Ankle Centers is here to help. With three convenient locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Little Elm, Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven are ready to provide personalized care to get you back on your feet.