Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What Is Bursitis?

Your body contains more than 140 bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that act like cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles. These allow your joints to move smoothly without friction.

When a bursa becomes inflamed, irritated, or overused, it leads to a painful condition known as bursitis. This inflammation causes swelling, discomfort, and stiffness—often impacting your ability to move freely and without pain.

What Causes Bursitis?

The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive movement or overuse. Everyday activities or specific jobs and sports that involve repeated motions can irritate the bursa over time.

Common causes include:

  • Prolonged standing or kneeling
  • Overtraining or sudden increases in activity
  • Limited joint mobility or flexibility
  • Poor foot posture, such as flat feet or high arches
  • Tight or ill-fitting shoes
  • Direct trauma or pressure to the joint
  • Irregular gait or walking patterns

Symptoms of Bursitis

Bursitis most commonly affects the hip, knee, ankle, and heel, but it can occur in other joints too. Symptoms can range

  • Localised joint pain or tenderness
  • Swelling, redness, and mild warmth
  • Stiffness or reduced joint movement
  • Pain that worsens with activity or pressure
  • Tingling or numbness if nerves are compressed

Pain when walking—especially barefoot

Common Types of Bursitis We Treat

Our podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat bursitis in the lower limbs, including:

  • Trochanteric bursitis – outer hip
  • Prepatellar bursitis – kneecap
  • Pes anserine bursitis – inner/back of the knee
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis – back of the heel

Forefoot bursitis – any toe joint or forefoot space

Diagnosing Bursitis

Bursitis symptoms can resemble tendonitis, so accurate diagnosis is key. Our podiatrists perform a thorough physical exam and may use ultrasound imaging to confirm inflammation and rule out other conditions like nerve impingement.

What We Treat

At Dynamic Podiatry, we diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, including:

  • Heel Pain, Heel Spurs & Plantar Fasciitis

  • Shin & Knee Pain

  • Achilles Tendinopathy & Pain

  • Flat Feet & High Arches

  • Ingrown Toenails

  • Fungal Nail Infections
  • Diabetic Foot Concerns

  • Children’s Foot & Gait Issues

  • Sports Injuries

  • Arthritis-related Foot Pain & Bunions

  • General Nail Care, Corns, Calluses & Warts

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Why Choose Us?

We believe patients deserve more than just a quick fix. At Dynamic Podiatry, we focus on long-term solutions, education, and building trusted relationships.

Experienced & Friendly Podiatrists

Our team includes Scott Greenbank, Michaela and Sarah, each bringing unique expertise and compassionate care.

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Advanced Technology

Including treadmill gait analysis with Sensor Medica pressure plate and video assessment for accurate diagnosis.

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Custom Solutions

We prescribe orthotics, rehabilitation plans, and practical advice tailored to each individual.

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On-Time & Professional

We value your time, and you’ll always receive a warm welcome and efficient care.

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Family-Friendly Clinic

We treat patients of all ages, from toddlers to older adults.

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We Treat a Range of Conditions

Whatever your foot or leg problem is, we take the time to get to the cause not just treat the symptoms and get you back on your feet again.

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