April is Stress Awareness Month, and developing foot bursitis can make a stressful time even more difficult. Tax day, school sports seasons, weddings, high school proms, even some college graduations—the month is packed to the brim with potentially stressful events. Adding bursitis pain to any of those only piles on the stress. The good news about stress is that once you know what causes it, you can take steps to prepare yourself. Similarly, when you know your risk factors for bursitis, you can take steps to prevent it and stay pain free.
Bursitis is an overuse issue. It’s a problem with inflammation in a small, fluid-filled sac called the bursa. Bursae are meant to help lubricate and cushion moving tissues that slide over bones. Overuse and pressure on these sacs irritate them and cause painful swelling. You have one major bursa that sits between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, which is where foot bursitis frequently develops. However, the problem can also affect toes, the ball of the foot, and the underside of the heel.
There are several risk factors that increase your likelihood for developing bursitis in your lower limbs. Hopefully, knowing your risks can help you take steps to protect yourself. Here are just a few factors that could increase your odds for this condition:
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Age – The little sac thins and wears out over time, making it more vulnerable to problems the older you get.
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Bad Shoes – Poorly-fitted footwear pinches the joints, fails to support your arch or fails cushion hard impacts, putting stress on a bursa.
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Repetitive Motions – Repetitive pounding or even just constantly doing the same motion can strain a bursa. This is why athletes have a high risk for the condition.
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Tight Achilles Tendons – Tight tendons pinch and press on the bursa near them, potentially irritating it.
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Haglund’s Deformity – A hard bump on the back of your foot can pinch the bursa, causing inflammation.
Knowing that you have a higher risk for foot bursitis gives you a head start for preventing the condition. You don’t have to face foot pain alone, though. Don’t stress about it. Let Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines and Parker, CO, help you. Use our website to make an appointment, or call us directly at (303) 805-5156.
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