Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion between the bones, tendons, and muscles around a joint. They are located throughout the body in areas where friction between tissues commonly occurs and act as shock absorbers, helping reduce friction between bones.
A bursa can become inflamed from: traumatic injury, repetitive movements, prolonged and excessive pressure. The body can also create bursal sacs in response to trauma or tissue damage.
Bursitis symptoms are typically stronger after periods of rest. There is commonly pain upon arising from bed or sitting for a while. The areas in the foot where bursitis most commonly occurs are in the bottom of the heel, behind the heel near the Achilles Tendon, and along the side of a bunion.