Resolve to Be Pain Free: Bursitis Treatment
Updated: Jul 30, 2020
The word “resolution” has a couple of powerful meanings: it can be a firm decision to do or not do something, or it can be the actual action of solving a problem. This time of year, it tends to refer to the semi-serious goals people set for themselves for the coming year.
Only a few people accomplish their New Year’s resolutions—partly because most people make them too vague or too big. If you want to keep your resolutions, it’s much better to be specific and choose something that can be broken down into smaller steps, like resolving to seek bursitis treatment and deal with your pain. In all seriousness, though, you don’t have to wait for a new year to take care of your lower limbs. Bursitis is something you can manage right away.
Bursitis is, of course, an overuse injury that develops when stress and pressure on a bursa sac cause inflammation and irritation. This can happen anywhere you have a bursa. In your lower limbs, it’s most common in your heels.
Fortunately, like most overuse injuries, it’s fairly easy to treat bursitis, especially if you catch it early. Our team at Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC can help you tailor a plan to fit your unique needs, but all bursitis treatment tends to have a few similar factors:
Rest – Stop participating in activities that cause foot pain. Take a break from running and sports in particular. Use the time to rest your foot and allow the irritation in the bursa to subside.
Ice – Icing the swollen, painful area can help decrease inflammation and swelling, helping you heal.
Support – Cushioning the painful area with orthotics, gel pads, and even shoe changes helps you reduce the pressure on the irritated bursa, so it can recover.
Other treatments, including taking pain medications and injecting anti-inflammatory agents into the bursa, can also help manage the discomfort and the damage.
Treating bursitis and taking care of your lower limbs may not seem worthy of a whole New Year’s resolution. However, if you’re looking to improve your health and take care of your body, you need to start somewhere. Why not start by dealing with the pains you can easily address? Don’t wait! Start the New Year with healthy feet. Make an appointment with Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC in Metairie, LA, through our website or by calling (504) 708-4810.