What is a bursa?

A bursa or bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs present all over the body.  They are there to help reduce friction between bone and tendon but can also form in other areas if there is enough rubbing and pressure present.  When these sacs become inflamed, it is called bursitis.

Intermetatarsal bursitis

This describes inflammation of the bursae that lie between the ends of the metatarsals (long bones) of the feet.  This is caused by:

• Excessive pronation or ‘rolling in’ – this causes friction between one side of the foot and the other while walking which rubs the bursae and causes them swell
• Tight shoes cause a squeezing of the forefoot which again causes rubbing of the bursae and subsequent swelling
• High-heeled shoes lead to a hyperextension or over-bending of the toes, which causes the fluid inside the bursae to move toward the toes.  With the increased weight-bearing on the balls of the feet and therefore pressure and friction on the bursae this then leads to inflammation

What does it feel like?

Burning, pinching, sharp pain is often described with swelling noted on the top of the foot.  It can often feel like you’re walking on a stone or rock and if it is pressing on a nerve, you might also experience shooting pain or numbness in the toes.

What is the treatment?

As the cause is often footwear related, treatment is pretty simple – stop wearing the shoes that are causing it!  However, sometimes the swelling is so bad that it hurts no matter what shoes you wear.  A full assessment of your footwear and biomechanics is needed to determine whether insoles or orthoses may be needed.  An ultrasound is helpful to diagnose any other associated conditions such as neuroma or plantar plate tears (more on this next month), which can often be present at the same time.

Anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce the swelling as can a cortisone injection, however, these won’t have long-lasting effects if the underlying cause isn’t dealt with.

If you think you may be suffering with bursitis, make an appointment to see us - don’t forget to bring in your shoes with you.