Natural Remedies for Bursitis

Bursitis – A Brief Explanation

Bursitis is an inflammatory condition which affects in-particular the following joints of the body:

• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Knee
• Heel
• Hip

The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that helps protect muscle, ligaments, tendons, or skin that rubs across bone. Due to friction around the affected joint, inflammation occurs and the fluid around the joint can become infected. When bursitis is caused by an infection in the joint, as well as the common visible swelling of the joint a person may experience a fever. In most cases bursitis is associated with repetition of movement over a long period of time. Bursitis has some well known, comical synonyms, such as "housemaids knee", "weavers bottom", and "miners elbow".

Natural Remedies for Bursitis: A Wide Choice of Treatments

The conventional treatment for bursitis is the use of anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These can either be taken in the form of a pill or liquid medicine, or applied as a topical treatment directly to the joint.

Bursitis is a condition which the sufferer can endure for many years. It is not always desirable, nor advisable to take anti-inflammatory medications for long periods of time. The use of natural remedies is therefore becoming a popular way to cope with the condition as most of them can be used without long term undesirable effects being an issue.

• Herbal equivalents to aspirin – Willowbark, meadowsweet and wintergreen are three popular alternative treatments for bursitis. It is believed that each herb contains a form of salicylate which is a pivotal ingredient of aspirin. These herbs are best taken as a tea, two to three times per day during a period of particular pain and inflammation of the affected joint.

It is sensible to suggest that, due to their aspirin-like effects, anyone who is allergic or intolerant to aspirin ought to avoid the use of these herbs.

• Hot and cold therapy – Alternating both a hot and cold compress directly to the affected joint for approximately ten minutes each, is believed to relieve the pain caused by bursitis, when in the acute phase.
• Castor oil compress – Applying an abundant measure of castor oil directly to the joint, followed by the application of a hot compress, is an effective way of applying a lubricant directly to the joint. This will assist mobility of the joint, which when inflamed can be significantly reduced.
• Ginger poultice – Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory. A poultice made from crushed or ground root ginger can be applied directly to the skin. Taking ginger internally as a tea or crystallized to eat can also be beneficial if taken regularly.
• Apple cider vinegar compress – Apple cider vinegar is a commonly used remedy for many ailments. For the treatment of bursitis it is best made into a compress using one cup of apple cider mixed with one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This liquid must then be boiled and applied directly to the affected joint once cool. It is crucial not to apply this mixture where there is an area of broken skin.

Homeopathic Remedies

Natural remedies to treat bursitis do not stop at using herbal and food based treatments. Homeopathy has been used successfully for many years to treat inflammatory conditions, therefore its use for the treatment of bursitis is one which has been successfully tried and tested.

When choosing a homeopathic remedy it is advisable to select the treatment which best suits the symptoms you are experiencing at the time. Given the wide range of treatments, and the varying types and degrees of symptoms associated with bursitis, it is advisable to seek help from a qualified and experienced homeopathic practitioner.

The following homeopathic remedies are the most popular:

• Arnica montana- This remedy is especially useful when bursitis is related to traumatic injury or strain. It is often related with time when the person suffering is unable to tolerate contact to the joint because of the severity of pain.
• Bryonia- Best used at the time when the affected joint is markedly hot and swollen. The sufferer is likely to be intolerant of the slightest movement.
• Ruta graveolens- If bursitis is acute with the presence of swelling this remedy may be indicated. The sufferer is likely to have an exacerbation of symptoms when exposed to cold or damp environments. Bursitis caused by injury responds well to this treatment.
• Rhus toxicodendron- This remedy is recommended when a person experiences joint pain and stiffness when trying to sleep, or when getting out of bed in the morning. Bursitis is commonly worse in damp and cold weather conditions. The person usually gains relief from warm environments.
• Belladonna- Bursitis accompanied by symptoms of heat and throbbing suggests a need for this remedy. The affected area is commonly visibly red and inflamed.

Supplementary Treatments

Herb and homeopathic remedies are the most common natural choice for the treatment of bursitis. However because of the variety of symptoms the condition causes, combined therapy is often a treatment choice. Herbal and homeopathic remedies may be complemented by:

• Aromatherapy - In-particular the use of jupiter, chamomile and cypress oils.
• Acupuncture - This is a good therapy to receive pain relief directly to the affected joint.
• Hydrotherapy- The soothing effects that can be gained from time spent in water are often beneficial to the bursitis sufferer. Saunas and steam baths are also believed to be therapeutic.
• Dietary- Attention to a healthy dietary intake, focusing in-particular on increased intake of magnesium is popular advice in both conventional and alternative medicine. Supplementation of castor oil on a daily basis will help to make joints supple, reduce stiffness, thus reducing pain.

Seeking the Correct Advice

Bursitis is a serious and painful medical condition, particularly if made worse by receiving the wrong treatment. It is essential when undertaking any treatment, other than that which has been suggested by a qualified physician, that you seek advice from credible sources such as experienced practitioners or popular written publications.