Bursitis is painful inflammation of a bursa (a flattened 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 findings. The disorder is treated by injecting an anesthetic/corticosteroid mixture and wearing soft-soled shoes with added protective heel cushion padding.

Last full review/revision December 2012 by Kendrick Alan Whitney, DPM