 Bursae are small fluid
containing sacs, that are situated
between areas of high friction
such as bone against the floor
(heel) and bone against other
soft tissue structures like
tendons, skin and or muscle.
The bursa job is to act as a
shock absorber, and to allow
stress free movement between
the above noted structures.
Bursitis is a swelling\inflammation
of the bursa sac, due to
constant micro trauma or overuse.
In the foot Abnormal Pronation
is the leading cause of this
overuse. It is most commonly found
on the foot, at the bottom
(Heel Spur) and back
of the heel bone; and underneath
the metatarsal heads going
toward the toes. The
big toe or Bunion joint
is also a favorite spot to find bursitis
in the foot. Bursitis is confused
with Gout and infection by
those who don't deal with
them on a daily basis. The
most common complaint
from the patient is upon
rising in the morning, or
after about 20 minutes or
resting, then upon rising,
there is great pain in the area
of the bursa. This is due to the fact
that the fluid in the sac has
hardened up and can not flow as
easy as it did, that is what is
causing the pain.
As with all foot problems, we
choose first to treat Bursitis
conservatively with the use of
Physical Therapy and padding and
strappings, and Orthotics.
We have found that most
(over 90%) patients' problems
are resolved by using this
treatment protocol.
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