Bursitis
What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa (a fluid filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissue). This is often a result of repetitive strain. Bursitis usually occurs near joints that have repetitive motions like shoulders, hips, and heels. There are various bursae all over your body. Some of the more common in the lower body include:
Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
Affects one of three bursae surrounding the hip.
Infrapatellar Bursitis
Affects one of two portions of the knee.
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Affects the bursa behind the Achilles’ tendon.
What are the Symptoms of Bursitis?
In general, people experience warmth and swelling in the afflicted area. Symptoms can vary depending on the source of the bursitis. Some of these symptoms can include:
Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
- Lateral (outer) hip pain
- Deep pain
- “Snapping” sound at the outside of the hip
- Worse when on feet and engaged in activity
Infrapatellar Bursitis
- Anterior knee pain
- Increased pain with knee movement
- Difficulty on stairs
- Increased pain at night
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
- Pain at the back of the heel, just above the Achilles’ tendon insertion
- Pain after periods of rest
- Pain with pointing toes
- History of activity on inclines
Symptoms can vary in intensity between individuals, and there may be periods of time where symptoms are more intense than others.
Risk Factors of Bursitis
Discomfort caused by bursitis can occur during:
- Repetitive activities (jumping, running)
- Work involving a kneeling position
- Activities on inclines (hiking, hill training, etc.)
- Tight calf muscles (gastroc, soleus)
What can you do to feel better today?
Various options are available in the treatment of bursitis. Treatment is largely focused on reducing inflammation of the bursa, thus reducing pain, and treating any infections as needed. Conservative treatments include exercises, massage, footwear, footwear modifications, insoles or heel cups for bursitis, and custom foot orthoses. These can be discussed with physiotherapists, kinesiologists, massage therapists, pedorthists, and other healthcare professionals. Medications and more invasive treatments, such as injections and surgery, can be discussed with your family doctor.
Staying Active with Bursitis
Staying active with bursitis means modifying activity to reduce the stress on the affected area. Higher impact activities should be avoided to reduce the direct impact pressure, as well. Choosing appropriate footwear can assist in adjusting biomechanics from the level of the foot. With retrocalcaneal bursitis, choosing a higher heel height in shoes can reduce the strain from the calf musculature. Orthotics for bursitis, either custom or OTS, may be added to footwear to increase the amount of control of biomechanics to reduce strain as much as possible.