Bursas 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, most often caused by Morton's Toe, 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. Metatarsalgia can be caused by a bursitis. 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. Back

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