Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when a small fluid-filled sac called a bursa becomes irritated and inflamed. Bursae help reduce friction between bones, tendons and other tissues but repeated pressure or movement can cause them to become painful.
At Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North we treat bursitis by reducing pressure and irritation around the affected area while addressing the underlying cause. We assess your lower limb biomechanics and may use footwear advice, custom orthotics, activity modification and high-power laser therapy where appropriate. Book a bursitis assessment today.
What is bursitis?
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that sits around joints and helps tissues move smoothly over one another. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes irritated and inflamed.
In the foot and ankle bursitis can develop around areas that experience repeated pressure or friction.
It usually develops gradually from repeated pressure or irritation, though it can also occur after a direct impact or injury. Tight or poorly fitting footwear, repetitive activity, prolonged pressure and the way your foot loads can all increase stress around a bursa.
How it can feel:
- Localised pain around the affected area
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
- Swelling or puffiness
- Pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Increased discomfort after repetitive activity
- Sensitivity around the joint or pressure point
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- Localised tenderness
- Swelling around the affected area
- Pain when pressure is applied
- Pain when walking
- Discomfort in certain shoes
- Pain that worsens after repetitive activity
See a podiatrist if:
- The pain has lasted more than a few days
- Swelling is persistent
- Walking or exercise is becoming uncomfortable
- Your footwear is putting pressure on the area
- The pain keeps returning
- You are unsure what is causing the painful area
Early treatment can help reduce irritation before the bursa becomes a persistent source of pain.
How we treat bursitis at Aligna
Our treatment focuses on reducing pressure and irritation around the bursa while addressing the factors that caused it to become inflamed.
Stage 1: Reduce pain and irritation
We identify what is putting pressure on the affected area and recommend appropriate activity and footwear changes. Where appropriate we may use high-power laser therapy to help settle pain and inflammation.
Stage 2: Reduce ongoing pressure
We may recommend footwear modifications, padding or custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the affected area. Targeted exercises may also be used to improve the strength and function of the foot and lower limb.
We also find the cause
Bursitis can be influenced by the way your feet and lower limbs move. We assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand why pressure is building up and address the root cause rather than simply treating the painful area.
Recovery & rehab
How long does it take?
Mild cases can settle within several weeks once the source of irritation is removed. Long-standing bursitis may take longer to resolve if the area continues to experience pressure.
Why the right approach matters
Simply reducing pain without addressing the source of pressure can allow bursitis to return. Improving foot function and reducing repeated irritation can help support a longer-term recovery.
How we help you stay pain-free:
- Activity modification
- Footwear advice
- Custom orthotics if needed
- Padding or pressure relief
- Lower limb biomechanical assessment
- Targeted strengthening
- High-power laser therapy where appropriate
- Gradual return to activity
Our goal is to settle the inflammation and reduce the pressure that caused it.
This page was prepared and reviewed by our podiatrists Dr Emilia Arif Stephen (POD0002562365) and Dr Justine Jose (POD0002903648). It is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment. Please book an appointment for a thorough assessment. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to settle your pain, reduce pressure on the affected area and help you return to comfortable movement.
At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just treat the inflamed bursa. We assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand why the area has become irritated, then address the root cause to reduce the risk of the problem returning.
Your treatment plan is built around you, combining custom orthotics, footwear advice and activity modification with high-power laser therapy where appropriate to settle pain and inflammation.
Whether your bursitis has developed from footwear, activity or repeated pressure, we’re here to help you restore comfortable movement, reduce irritation and keep you active.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.