INTERMETATARSAL BURSITIS

Intermetatarsal bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid filled sacs that are located between the long bones (metatarsal and small muscles in the foot)­­­­­. Their main role is to act as a lubricant while the small muscles glide over the bone during movement. They can be irritated when one metatarsal bone takes more load than the others. When this happens, the soft tissue between the bone and the skin becomes compressed and inflammation in the bursa can begin

The intermetatarsal bursa will swell if there is increased friction between two adjacent structures. Wearing narrow or excessively worn footwear throughout the day or while playing sports also increase your chance of bursitis developing in your feet and toes.

The most common symptoms are:

• pain while standing
• tenderness during rest and motion
• forefoot swelling
• forefoot burning sensations

Diagnosis is often through a clinical assessment and biomechanical examination completed by a podiatrist.  Based off this assessment you may/may not be referred for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out further pathology.

• Rest & Ice
• Padding & strapping
• Custom orthotics
• Footwear advice
• Dry needling
• Corticosteroid injections