Bursitis in the foot can make every step feel sore, swollen, and tender. It happens when the bursae — small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction — become inflamed. While bursitis can affect many parts of the body, in the foot it often appears around the heel, ball, or base of the toes.
The good news? With the right footwear, self-care, and early action, bursitis can usually be managed without invasive treatment.
📌 At a Glance
All the key facts on Foot Bursitis in one place — no scrolling, no searching.
Jump straight to 20 Common Questions & Answers.
What Is Foot Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa — the small sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. In your feet, bursae are found near the heel and under the ball of the foot, making them vulnerable to irritation.
When inflamed, they fill with extra fluid, creating swelling, heat, and pain.
If your foot pain isn’t limited to this one condition, our Complete Guide to Foot Pain Relief walks you through all the main causes, treatments, and footwear tips to keep every step more comfortable.
Common Causes of Foot Bursitis
- Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow.
- Repetitive stress from running, jumping, or long hours standing.
- Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes.
- Poorly cushioned footwear that increases friction and pressure.
- Sudden increase in activity or exercise without gradual build-up.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Localised pain and tenderness around the heel or ball of the foot.
- Swelling and warmth in the affected area.
- Stiffness or discomfort that worsens when walking or standing.
- Pain when pressing directly on the inflamed spot.
These symptoms often mimic plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia, which is why proper diagnosis matters.
Treatment Options
At-Home Care
- Clean gently if the skin is irritated.
- Apply ice packs for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Rest and avoid activities that worsen pain.
- Use cushioned insoles or blister pads to protect the area.
- Switch to wide-fit shoes with soft uppers and shock-absorbing soles.
Professional Care
- Anti-inflammatory treatments (oral or topical, prescribed if necessary).
- Physical therapy to reduce strain and improve mobility.
- Custom orthotics for recurrent bursitis caused by foot shape or gait.
- In rare cases, corticosteroid injections may be offered.
Prevention Tips
- Break in new shoes gradually.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction.
- Keep feet dry during activity.
- Use anti-friction balms or protective tape on hotspots.
- Replace worn-out shoes before cushioning and support collapse.
When to See a Doctor
- Blisters or bursae show signs of infection (redness, pus, severe swelling).
- Pain persists for more than 1–2 weeks despite rest and footwear changes.
- You have diabetes or poor circulation, raising risk of complications.
- Bursitis is recurrent or interfering with daily mobility.
Living With Bursitis
Bursitis doesn’t mean giving up walking or activity. With the right shoe choices and early care, you can manage symptoms and stay comfortable. Wide, cushioned shoes with low heels make a real difference day to day.
Adding orthotics or pads can reduce strain, and if flare-ups happen, resting and icing usually calm them down quickly.
Persistent heel or forefoot swelling could also point to foot arthritis or an underlying heel spur — both of which often overlap with bursitis.
20 Common Questions & Answers on Foot Bursitis
Q: What actually causes foot bursitis?
A: Usually repetitive stress, tight shoes, or direct pressure on the bursa. Structural foot issues can also play a role.
Q: Are heel and toe bursitis different?
A: Yes. Heel bursitis affects the back of the heel, while toe bursitis typically develops near bunions or hammertoes.
Q: Is bursitis always painful?
A: No, mild cases may only cause tenderness or stiffness, but most flare-ups involve noticeable pain.
Q: Can foot bursitis go away on its own?
A: Mild cases sometimes ease with rest and shoe changes. Persistent or worsening pain usually needs treatment.
Q: How is bursitis diagnosed?
A: A physical exam is common, sometimes supported by ultrasound or MRI to rule out other conditions.
Q: What kind of shoes should I wear?
A: Wide-fit shoes with cushioning, low heels, and flexible uppers. Avoid narrow or stiff shoes that increase pressure.
Q: Do insoles help with bursitis?
A: Yes. Custom or off-the-shelf insoles redistribute pressure away from inflamed areas.
Q: Can bursitis spread?
A: It doesn’t spread, but untreated bursitis can lead to chronic inflammation or related issues like tendon pain.
Q: Are athletes more prone to bursitis?
A: Yes, especially runners and dancers who put repetitive stress on their feet.
Q: Is walking good or bad during a flare-up?
A: Walking can aggravate symptoms. Rest until pain calms down, then resume activity gradually.
Q: Can bursitis be linked to bunions?
A: Yes. Bunions change pressure patterns and often lead to bursitis at the big toe joint.
Q: Do anti-inflammatory creams help?
A: They can ease mild symptoms, but footwear changes and rest remain most important.
Q: Can bursitis become chronic?
A: Yes, if the causes aren’t addressed. Recurring pressure keeps the bursa inflamed.
Q: Do children get bursitis?
A: It’s rare in children but possible with sports overuse or ill-fitting shoes.
Q: Does weight play a role?
A: Yes, extra body weight increases strain on bursae in the feet.
Q: Can bursitis be confused with plantar fasciitis?
A: Definitely. Both cause heel pain, but bursitis is more localised swelling at the back/underside.
Q: Is surgery ever needed?
A: Very rarely. Surgery is a last resort for severe, persistent bursitis.
Q: Are foot exercises helpful?
A: Yes. Gentle calf and foot stretches reduce strain and improve flexibility.
Q: How long does recovery take?
A: With care, symptoms often improve in a few weeks, though flare-ups can recur.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: If pain persists beyond a couple of weeks, worsens, or shows signs of infection.
📌 Summary
Foot bursitis can be painful, but it’s manageable. Supportive shoes, rest, and early treatment usually prevent long-term issues. Wide-fit shoes with cushioning, combined with self-care and professional guidance when needed, are your best defence.