A bursa is a fluid-filled cushioning sac. They are located near tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles that would otherwise rub directly across the surface of a bone. They are very important to prevent friction, absorb shock, and decrease the wear and tear between moving structures. The intermetatarsal bursae are located on the bottom of the foot, near the base of the toes. They can be irritated when one metatarsal bone takes more load than the others. When this happens, the soft tissue between the bone and the skin becomes compressed, and inflammation and a bursa can begin.

How did I get this?

• Wearing narrow/too tight, or excessively worn footwear throughout the day, in addition to wearing ill-fitting shoes when walking or running. Use of the inappropriate shoes can amplify the shock the bursa has to take. Playing sports can also increase your chance of bursitis developing in your feet and toes.
• Foot bursitis is when a bursa is inflamed in the foot, whereas when a bursa is inflamed in the heel, it is called a heel bursitis. Bursitis in the foot may come about after a shock to the foot from a slip, trip, or an injury from a sport related activity, where there has been a prolonged pressure on a bursa. Nevertheless, bursitis in the front of the foot usually occurs due to friction to the bursa sac from recurring use, and over using a joint such as running regularly, or standing for long periods of time.
• Obesity can also add to the amount of stress put on a bursa. Foot abnormalities such as hammertoes, flat feet, over pronation, and bunions, can all put added strain on the bursa, which can lead to bursitis. This is why appropriate footwear for your chosen activity must be worn.

Symptoms

Bursitis can cause tenderness, pain, redness and swelling, when you are moving and whilst resting. It can be particularly painful when you walk, jump or run. Also wearing tight shoes, tight socks, and walking barefooted on hardwood or tiled floors without cushioning, can increase the stress put on the bursa, thus aggravating pain. Moving the joint near the affected bursa may be difficult due to the area being swollen and painful.

What can I do about it?

• Take anti-inflammatory tablets
• Use hot or cold ice packs
• Rest the foot
• Perform stretching exercises to improve joint motion
• Wear good fitting shoes
•  Avoid high heels
• Wear a protective pad
• See a podiatrist

Treatments

• Bursitis treatment concentrates on relieving inflammation and pain to the bursa. It also tries to reduce the causes that lead to bursitis. Throughout the healing process, it is vital to shield the bursa from any additional injury, to rest the joint, and to apply ice. It may also be recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and heat. Protecting the bursa helps to reduce pressure inside the bursa sac. Cushioning the area that is affected and trying to avoid anything that puts pressure on it, and giving the joint plenty of rest will all help to reduce pressure and ease the pain on the bursa. Using a heat pack or an ice pack for no longer than 20 minutes, throughout the day can also help to relieve pain. Also wearing shoes that are not too tight, that are wide at the front and supports your feet correctly can help your feet recover from inter metatarsal bursitis.
• The way we function biomechanically, is mainly controlled by genetics. It cannot be cured, but nonetheless, we can control the biomechanics of the lower limbs by changing the position of the foot, when it makes contact with the ground. This can be done by wearing orthotics and a good pair of shoes.
• Use of orthotics is the most effective way for an athlete to decrease the risk of injury from taking place, and to help avoid an injury from reoccurring. Apart from changing the biomechanics of the foot on the ground, orthotics offer additional support when it comes to shock absorbency. The sooner this condition is treated by your doctor or podiatrist, the less likely it is for surgery being needed.
• Your Doctor may administer a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation if indicated, and possibly suggest surgical management.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!