If you’re suffering from foot pain, you’re not alone. Foot pain is extremely common, impacting up to 42% of adults at any time. There are dozens of possible foot conditions that could cause your foot pain. Bursitis in your heel and between your toes can be especially painful.
Bursitis in the foot involves inflamed bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs between soft tissue and bones. Bursae support the body’s mobility by releasing synovial fluid that enable the joints to glide over one another easily. However, these bursae can become damaged from overuse or from wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes. As a result, the release of synovial fluid is interrupted, and the bursae can swell and become inflamed.
Bursitis in the foot commonly occurs in your heel or toes. Symptoms of bursitis in the foot can include:
- Pain that worsens when bending the foot or standing on the toes.
- Swelling in the heel.
- Red and/or warm skin.
- Pain when walking.
Finding the right shoes for feet with bursitis can help relieve bursitis pain, decrease swelling and increase mobility.
How to find the best shoes for bursitis
Painful bursitis symptoms can be treated with rest, elevation, stretches and medication. Most importantly, however, bursitis in the foot can be treated by wearing comfortable shoes. Doing so can protect your feet long-term and protect them from developing bursitis again in the future.
The best shoes for bursitis should offer the following benefits:
- Ample space — Tight-fitting shoes can be a major cause of heel bursitis. If you often wear high heels or too-tight running shoes, your heel bone and Achilles tendon can become restricted. As a result of this tightness, your bursae can become inflamed. This can make walking feel strained and painful. Finding a shoe that stabilizes your heel comfortably and doesn’t restrict blood flow to your foot can help you walk more comfortably as you recover from bursitis.
- Arch support — Wearing shoes that are flat and hard can place additional pressure on the Achilles tendon. With this additional pressure, the Achilles tendon can rub against the bursa in the heel and cause pain. Shoes that have proper arch support can help redistribute pressure from the Achilles tendon and reduce the risk of heel inflammation. It can also help reduce sharp or aching pain. As a result, shoes with arch support can be the best for those with bursitis.
- Comfortable heel support — Shoes that press against the back of the heel with every step can worsen bursitis symptoms. A shoe with a rigid back can especially aggravate an already-inflamed heel. Instead, the best shoe for foot bursitis should cushion the back of the heel and limit friction between the shoe and the heel. This can help those with arthritis walk with less discomfort.
Biocorrect’s custom orthotics can help you find the best shoe for your foot bursitis
It’s hard to find shoes that provide ample space, arch support and heel support all at once. Our team of experts at Biocorrect crafts custom inserts that can turn almost any shoe into the best shoe for you— especially if you have bursitis. Contact us to learn more about the orthotics we offer or to set up an initial evaluation with one of our certified pedorthists.
