Home Remedies and Herbs for Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that sit between bone, muscles, tendons, and skin to act as a cushion between moving parts of the body.¹ Bursitis is a condition that affects these fluid-filled sacs, resulting in inflammation.² Bursitis usually occurs due to overuse of a joint or following an injury.¹ It’s most common in the elbow and knee, though it also occurs in the shoulder and hip.^{1, 2}It can even appear in the heel or toe or in whichever joints see frequent, repetitive motion.²

What Causes Bursitis?

Bursitis is usually caused by repetitive movement around a joint.⁴ This can result from playing sports or from sitting or leaning on hard surfaces for long periods of time.⁴ Changes in activity level, such as when training for a marathon, is also among bursitis causes.⁵ Individuals who are overweight are at higher risk of developing bursitis since the extra weight puts more pressure on the joints.⁵ Injury or trauma can also lead to bursitis, as can bacterial infections, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis.^{4, 6} Larger joints are more likely to be affected by bursitis.⁶ Bursitis can usually be prevented by avoiding activities that use repetitive motions or that put strong pressure on the joints.⁵

Bursitis Symptoms

Bursitis symptoms involve tender, swollen joints.⁵ These joints may feel stiff or may have redness, warmth, or swelling around them.⁵ Consult your doctor if your pain becomes so severe that you can’t move your joints; if the pain lasts for more than two weeks; if you develop bruising or rash at the affected area; if you experience a sharp, shooting pain; or if you develop a fever.⁷ It’s difficult to tell the difference between bursitis pain and pain associated with arthritis or strains, so it’s best to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.³ Diagnosis is typically made through a variety of physical exams and X-rays.¹ Your doctor might take a fluid sample to confirm whether or not the pain is caused by an infection.¹ Bursitis is often treated through rest, pain medications, or cold therapy such as ice packs.¹ Physical therapy and muscle-building exercises can also help with bursitis symptoms.⁵ The pain often goes away in just a few weeks, though flare-ups are common.² In some cases where bursitis symptoms don’t go away within six to twelve months, surgery may be required, though this is rare.^{1, 5} Bursitis herbs can help treat symptoms of pain and inflammation.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/bursitis.html
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/basics/definition/con-20015102
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/basics/causes/con-20015102
4. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/bursitis
5. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/bursitis
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/basics/symptoms/con-20015102