How to Treat Bursitis in Your Feet
Bursitis is a painful and potentially debilitating inflammatory condition in which fluids build up in the bursal sacs. These are located where your bones, tendons, and muscles meet each other. While this condition commonly affects the shoulder area, it can also strike the feet and ankles in the area near the Achilles tendon. Bursitis can mimic Achilles tendonitis, so it’s best to see your foot doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Some tips to help treat and prevent bursitis include the following:
Rest, elevate and ice the foot to decrease swelling and pain
Swelling from bursitis subsides once stress and pressure are removed from the affected area. Resting and icing the swollen area several times a day will improve symptoms. Lying down and raising your foot on a pillow while resting will also help to help decrease swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen in moderation help alleviate discomfort.
Reduce the intensity of activities
Bouts of bursitis can be triggered by the stress and pressure from activities. Switch to exercise activities like swimming that take the pressure off your feet and ankles. Try to avoid repetitive movements that increase stress.
Increase foot and ankle strength and flexibility
A variety of gentle flexing and stretching exercises can help relieve stiffness and get fluids moving to help drain the inflamed area.
If you suspect that you may have painful bursitis in your feet and ankles, make an appointment with your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors, Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
