Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called a bursa that is located between a tendon and a skin or between a tendon and a bone. The disease can be acute or chronic. These fluid-filled cavities help reduce friction and aid movement where tendons or muscles need to pass over bony prominences close to joints. The condition often affects people who are injured playing sports.
Symptoms
Bursitis is most commonly found in the knee, the shoulder, the elbow and the hip. Sometimes it also occurs around the Achilles tendon and foot. Symptoms may include pain, inflammation and swelling of the affected areas. The range of movement of the affected joint may be restricted and may or may not be accompanied by pain. Muscle weakness may also be a sign of the condition.
Causes
It can be caused by trauma, gout, infection rheumatoid arthritis or chronic overuse. Sometimes a cause cannot be found.
Cautions
Be sure and see a doctor if your pain worsens and interferes with your activities, if the pain has lasted a long time or if your joints are tender, warm and red. This may indicate an infection.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Boswellia – this herb will relieve the pain from inflammation without any side effects. Take 500 mg of boswellia three times per day.
- Willow bark – this herb works well to relieve pain. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily or make a tea with 2 teaspoons of dried herb and 1 cup of water. Boil for 15 minutes, and then strain out the herb. Drink this tea three times a day.
- Flax – add flaxseed oil to your salad dressing. This oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation.
- Turmeric – this herb is a very strong anti-inflammatory. Take 500 mg of extract three times a day for the best relief.
- Stinging nettle – this nourishing herb can be taken as a tea or capsules to help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Echinacea – take capsules or tincture of Echinacea to promote healing of the connective tissues.
- Evening primrose oil – this oil is good at fighting inflammation. Apply directly to the area in question to help the swelling go down. Take a dose of 1,200 mg per day.
External Applications
- Arnica – this herb is especially good when the condition is due to injury or strain. Apply arnica oil or cream to the affected area.
- Lobelia – apply the extract to the area in question to reduce inflammation and help in healing the bursitis.
- Mullein – make a tea from mullein flowers and leaves and soak a cloth in the cooled liquid. Apply this cloth directly on the affected areas.
- Ginger – grate fresh ginger and apply directly to the affected region as a poultice. This herb can also be taken internally for bursitis.
- Horseradish – grate fresh horseradish root and add enough water to make a paste. Place the paste in a small porous bag and apply the bag on the area in question.
- Cayenne – add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Dip a cloth in the liquid when it is comfortably warm and apply on the bursitis as a poultice.