Foot Bursitis Causes

Bursitis is caused when an inflammation occurs and excess fluid builds up in one or several bursae. This build up of excess fluid can be caused by many different factors. The biggest factor is the bursa becoming inflamed due to strain or something (like a muscle, bone or tendon) rubbing against it too hard.

Bursitis can be caused by:

Abnormal pronation - (pronation refers to how much roll there is in your foot when you take a step) Abnormal pronation can make the bursa move in a way it’s not supposed to, which can cause irritation and inflammation.

Overusing a joint - This can cause the bursa to become inflamed through being used too much.

Prolonged stress on a bursa - This can cause the surrounding tissue to pinch the bursa, which can cause an inflammation.

Wearing improper footwear - This is a source of many major foot problems, including bursitis.

Activities/Sports (such as long walks or ice skating) - These can cause too much stress to be put on the bursae.

Twisting a joint/Moving a joint too rapidly - This can pinch the bursa, resulting in inflammation.

The risk of getting bursitis in your foot increases if you match any of the following:

• You're athletic and enjoy participating in contact sports like soccer, hockey or football.
• You've had or are having prolonged exposure to cold weather.
• You've been using improper or inadequate protective equipment while playing sports.
• You're not conditioned and don't do adequate warm-ups before exercising and/or sports.
• You've had bursitis before, in any part of your body.

Alternately, bursitis can be caused by bacteria. In this case, it is known as septic bursitis, and can be difficult to tell apart from normal bursitis.

In any case, the first thing you should do if you think you have bursitis is to see your doctor for a diagnosis and advice on a treatment that is right for you.