Bursitis is painful inflammation of a bursa (a flat sac containing joint [synovial] fluid that reduces friction in areas where skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments rub over bones). Bursitis can develop at the bottom of the heel. The heel may throb, particularly when the shoes are removed, and may be slightly warm and swollen. The diagnosis is based on a person's symptoms and examination results. This disorder is treated by injecting a local anesthetic/corticosteroid mixture and wearing soft-soled shoes with added protective heel cushion padding.

Last full review/revision March 2008 by Kendrick Alan Whitney, DPM