Bursitis Causes & Treatment

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What Is Bursitis?

You have small, cushion-like structures called bursae (singular: bursa) located throughout your body—over 150 of them! These bursae act as cushions and create smooth, gliding surfaces between structures like tendons and bones.

Imagine the tendons and muscles that move as you bend and straighten your knee. Without bursae, these structures would constantly rub against each other, leading to irritation and pain, making activities like walking or running nearly impossible. Thankfully, bursae reduce friction and provide lubrication, enabling pain-free and smooth movement.

However, like any part of the body, bursae can become irritated, swollen, and painful—a condition known as bursitis.

a comparison of normal foot structures vs a foot with heel bursitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis

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What Causes Bursitis & Who Is At Risk?

At Priority Podiatry Clinic, overuse is the leading cause of bursitis we see. This happens when repetitive movements, excessive strain, or heavy loads exceed the bursa’s ability to cope, leading to irritation and injury.

Other factors that can contribute to bursitis include:

  • Underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or thyroid disorders.
  • Infections, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system.
  • Direct trauma, like taking a hit to the knee during a soccer game, which may also affect surrounding structures.

 

Identifying the cause of bursitis is crucial for effective treatment and long-term prevention.

Signs & Symptoms Of Bursitis

If you’re experiencing localized pain and swelling that doesn’t seem to have an obvious cause, it may be bursitis. As muscles and tendons move over the affected bursa, the movement may trigger pain. You might also feel stiffness or tightness in the area.

At Priority Podiatry Clinic, common areas where we diagnose and treat bursitis include:

  • Back of the heel – Retrocalcaneal bursitis
  • Big toe joint – First metatarsophalangeal joint bursitis
  • Front of the knee
  • Back of the knee – Pes anserine bursitis
  • Side of the hip – Trochanteric bursitis

 

Seeking an early diagnosis from your podiatrist is crucial to effectively manage bursitis, alleviate pain, and prevent further complications. Book an appointment with Priority Podiatry Clinic today to get started on the path to recovery.

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Phone: 07 3354 1900

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Phone: 07 5546 9766

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Phone: 07 3287 2224

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Springwood Mall, Shop 8/34 Fitzgerald Ave, Springwood QLD 4127

Phone: 07 4635 6111

Toowoomba Medical Centre, 146 Drayton Road, Harristown QLD 4350

Phone: 07 3067 2370

Marsden Family Doctors, Shop 28/55-77 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden QLD 4132

Phone: 07 3355 4082

Keperra Medical Clinic, 14 Dallas Parade Keperra QLD 4054

Phone: 07 5573 5663

Doctors @ Coomera Central, Shop 6, 21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera, QLD 4209

Phone: 07 4633 8700

Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla, Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street, Newtown QLD 4350

Treating & Preventing Bursitis

Bursitis symptoms can closely mimic those of tendonitis (damage to a tendon or muscle), so the first step in treatment is confirming that the bursa is the source of the problem and ensuring no other structures are injured.
 
At Priority Podiatry Clinic, our focus is on reducing pain and swelling, improving your ability to walk comfortably, and addressing any contributing factors to prevent future problems. We achieve this through treatments like custom foot orthotics to improve biomechanics, supportive footwear to reduce stress on the bursa, and in-shoe padding to offload the affected area while keeping you mobile. Additionally, we treat related issues, such as calluses, that may worsen your pain.
 
Our goal is to provide effective, personalised care to help you recover fully and stay active

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