Small, fluid filled, shock absorbing sacs are present in some joints such as the elbow, knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, or big toe. Inflammation of these sacs, called bursa, causes swelling and painful movement of the joint. You may see redness in the affected area, and sometimes experience a burning sensation in the joint.
Causes of Bursitis
Trauma, infections, allergies, or toxic accumulation are the usual causes. Gradual development from repetitive motion occupations can lead to chronic bursitis. Reducing coffee drinking curiously reduces bursitis of the shoulder. Acute bursitis can result from prescription drug reactions or sudden injury to the area. Sometimes bursitis results from gout, arthritis, or an infection.
Natural Therapy for Bursitis
Soaking a cloth in mullein tea and applying it to the area helps relieve the swelling. Do this regularly for best results. To reduce the pain and inflammation of bursitis, apply ice to the affected are several times a day and keep the area elevated.
Stop the repetitive movement that caused the issue in the first place and rest the joint. To keep the joint from getting stiff, apply lobelia oil. Taking a complete vitamin and mineral supplement is also helpful in healing bursitis, especially one that includes calcium and vitamin B12 because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Skullcap, hops, and chamomile tea stimulates the healing process.
Eat foods with lots of magnesium like green leafy vegetables. Also try pineapple because it contains bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory. Drink a concoction of apple cider vinegar, water, and honey to keep the swelling down.
Massage can also help relieve the pain and swelling in and around the area. Be gentle and 15 minutes a day of massage on the major muscle groups will show an improvement quickly. Make sure not to massage the joint since this may hurt and damage the area more.
If you feel there is too much pain to bear, visit your doctor for an exercise plan and some mild pain relievers. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen work great in dealing with both the pain and inflammation of bursitis. Regular exercises specifically designed for the affected joint will help build the muscles in the area to alleviate the stress and pain on the joint.
Some bursitis, if left unattended, can increase in size and completely immobilize the joint. These cases may require surgery to relieve the pressure in the sac. But before you let it get to that point try some of the natural treatments above for treating the symptoms of bursitis, but also in reducing the inflammation of the joint altogether.
