 |
 |
|
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION
Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa and occurs when the bursae becomes irritated and swollen. The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs located between tendons and bone in various places in the body, particularly near joints. They help to promote muscular movement by cushioning against movement friction between bones, tendons, and ligaments. By reducing friction, each of the more than 150 bursae in your body helps the joints operate smoothly through the full range of natural movement.
The bursae in the hip and shoulder joints are most often affected since the shoulder has the greatest range of motion in the body. Bursitis is prone to affect the elbows, knees, feet, and the base of the thumb, as well.
Epicondylitis or epitrochlear bursitis, affecting the arm is often called "tennis elbow" or "frozen shoulder." Tennis elbow may start as a small tear in the tendon, and is more likely to occur in people whose jobs require repeated tight gripping of an object. Occupational bursitis is not uncommon, and is known by old, familiar names such as "housemaid's knee," "policeman's heel," or the "beat knee" or "beat shoulder" of coal miners.
Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa in the hip. This may be caused by continual physical activity, by standing for a long time, or by a displacement of the hip. An aching pain that may radiate down the leg normally accompanies it. One of the most common foot ailments, the bunion, is actually a form of bursitis caused by friction; a tight-fitting shoe causes a sac on the joint of the big toe to become inflamed.
It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between bursitis and tendonitis, the inflammation of a tendon. Tendonitis is closely related to bursitis, and the two are often confused. Bursitis is usually characterized by a dull, persistent ache that increases with movement, whereas tendonitis, which is the inflammation of the tendons caused by strain, typically causes sharp pain on movement. Tendonitis often afflicts people who routinely have to reach to perform certain activities, such as domestic workers and painters. Tendonitis is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, Achilles tendons, or hamstrings. Tendon inflammation may also result from calcium deposits that press against a tendon. Unlike tendonitis, bursitis is often accompanied by swelling and fluid accumulation.
Bursitis can affect anyone, at any age. However, older people, especially athletes, are more likely than others to get bursitis. Bursitis is usually characterized by a dull, persistent ache that increases with movement, and rotation of the arm may be difficult if it is in the shoulder. This condition is often worse at night, and the pain usually extends from the top of the shoulder to just under the large shoulder muscle of the back.
The discomfort of bursitis tends to be most severe after a night's sleep and will typically subside somewhat with normal activity.
SYMPTOMS
Stretching or extension when exercising, lifting, or otherwise pushing the joint beyond its normal limits, an inflamed bursa in the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, or joints of the hands or feet:
- Causes pain.
- Tenderness to the touch of the affected body part.
- Limitation of motion, with or without immediate pain.
- Loss of motion, especially affecting the shoulder.
- Redness.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Muscle weakness.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Manual Workers: Heavy lifting, repetitive motion or working for extended periods can strain the joints and bring on a bursitis attack.
Athletes: They get bursitis after running, throwing, or jumping, or from making aggressive arm swings in tennis, baseball, and even bowling.
Usually Sedentary People that occasionally are active: When they tend to push themselves and their bodies past reasonable limits, they are at risk for bursitis.
CAUSES
A bursa can become inflamed and the sac fills with excess fluid, causing pain, tenderness to the touch of the affected body part, and limitation of motion as well as pressure on surrounding tissue when:
- Caused by injury.
- Chronic overuse, or when it remains under pressure for a long time.
- Reactions to certain foods.
- Airborne allergies.
- Calcium deposits.
- Tight muscles also may lead to bursitis.
Calcified bursitis occurs when scar tissue develops in the bursa because an original injury was left untreated. The bursae in the hip and shoulder joints are most often affected.
TREATMENT
HERBS
Horsetail extract supplies silica, a form of the trace mineral silicon, which is necessary for tissue repair and healing.
Boswellia and Bromelain both reduce inflammation.
Horsetail, Meadowsweet, and Willow Bark, combined in equal measure and taken 3 times daily, help with inflammation.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Go on a 7-day raw food diet, followed by a 3-day cleansing fast.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Fasting
Eat no processed foods or any form of sugar.
To relieve pain, use hot castor oil packs. Place castor oil in a pan and heat but do not boil it. Dip a piece of cheesecloth or other white cotton material into the oil until the cloth is saturated. Apply the cloth to the affected area and cover it with a piece of plastic that is larger in size than the cotton cloth. Place a heating pad over the plastic and use it to keep the pack warm. Keep the pack in place for one-half to two hours, as needed. Some health care providers recommend ice packs.
You may need to abstain from activity and get plenty of rest. When engaging in physical activity, do not push yourself too hard or too long. If you are in pain, stop.
Treatment for bursitis involves removing the cause of the injury (this usually means rest and/or immobilization of the affected area), clearing up any underlying infection, and possibly surgically removing calcium deposits.
Applied topically, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a byproduct of wood processing, can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Note: Only DMSO from a health food store should be used for healing purposes. Commercial grade DMSO found in hardware stores is not suitable. The use of DMSO may result in a garlicky body odor. This is temporary, and is not a cause for concern.
DMSO PRODUCTS
HerbalRemedies: DMSO Roll-On, 70% DMSO - 30% Distilled Water, 3 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: DMSO Roll-On, 70% DMSO - 30% Aloe Vera, 3 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: DMSO Cream Complex, 50% DMSO, 99.9% Pure DMSO, 4 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: DMSO Liquid, 99.9% Pure Concentrate, 16 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: DMSO Liquid, 70% DMSO - 30% Distilled Water in Mist Sprayer, 8 oz.
A new, still experimental, treatment for bursitis involves injecting honeybee venom directly at the site. The venom contains a powerful anti-inflammatory and can provide rapid relief. It can be injected either with a hypodermic needle or by the bees themselves. Further information is available from the American Apitherapy Society in Hartland Four Corners, Vermont; Tel: (802) 436-2708.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose. See Bursitis Supplements & Products for more helpful recommendations.
DIAGNOSIS & MEDICATIONS
An x-ray of the affected area may be taken to look for bony spurs (abnormal areas) or arthritis.
Aspiration, in which fluid is taken from the swollen bursa and evaluated under a microscope, to rule out gout or infection.
Blood tests to screen for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
A magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) also may be performed to evaluate your condition.
Initial treatment typically consists of aspirin or other over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These pain relievers also tend to reduce inflammation. An injection of a local anesthetic mixed with one or more cortisone preparations into the bursa may be recommended to decrease inflammation and reduce pain. Heat and ultrasound can help relax the joint and promote tissue repair.
Diathermy (deep-heat therapy), under the direction of a sports health care provider, licensed physical therapist, or trainer, not only can relieve the discomfort and inflammation of bursitis but also can soothe tense muscles, nerves, and tendons. It may help to apply ice to the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes twice daily for 2 or 3 days.
In cases when bursitis may recur, your health care provider may prescribe corticosteroid treatment, in the form of either oral medication, topical creams, or injections to the affected joints. In severe cases, it may be necessary to draw fluid from inflamed and swollen bursae with a needle to relieve the pressure. In persistent conditions, bursae can be surgically removed.
PREVENTION
Warming up before strenuous exercise and cooling down afterward is the most effective way to avoid bursitis and other strains affecting the bones, muscles, and ligaments.
Avoid activities that aggravate the problem.
Rest the affected area after activity.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Although bursitis generally disappears in a few days or weeks, you must take measures to avoid further strain or injury. A physical therapy program that includes stretching and focused strengthening exercises could be helpful.
Bursitis may recur, particularly if you engage regularly in strenuous exercise or physical labor.
COMPLICATIONS
Some people may be tempted to ride out the pain, but this is not recommended. Without treatment, chronic bursitis can lead to the formation of calcium deposits in normally soft tissues, sometimes causing permanent reduction of motion in the affected joint.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Pain in a joint persists more than a few days; you may be experiencing tendonitis, a strained ligament or tendon, or the onset of arthritis.
You are unable to move the affected area.
Swelling persists after taking medication of pain or an anti-inflammatory agent as prescribed. You may need to have your health care provider drain fluid from the affected joint, or you may need steroid injections into the joint to decrease inflammation.
You have a fever with your bursitis symptoms.
BURSITIS SUPPLEMENTS
Information and supplements to help heal and relieve pain caused by bursitis.
Antibiotic, Natural, Support Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Use this natural antibiotic to support the immune system.Arthritis Formula Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
A combination of herbal extracts used around the world for Arthritis, Gout, Lupus, Rheumatism and Tendinitis.Boswellia Extract (Frankincense), Standardized, Nature's Way, 307 mg, 60 Tabs
Nature's Way Standardized Boswellia extract has been formulated to meet the dosage used in clinical studies on Boswellic Acids and their health benefits.CAL/MAG/ZINC, Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement, 90 Tablets
This unique Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement formula perfectly balances calcium, magnesium, and zinc with over 70 minerals and trace elements found in ConcenTrace for maximum absorption and utilization by the body.Cayenne & Ginger Supplement, Nature's Way, 465 mg, 100 Caps
Cayenne and Ginger supplement from Nature's Way is a blood warming herb that has an invigorating effect on several body systems.Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Copper is a pure liquid Copper supplement. Copper influences protein metabolism and general healing, improves vitamin C oxidation and is integral in the formation of RNA.Feverfew Herb Tincture (Tanacetum Parthenium), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Feverfew Herb is mainly used for the prevention and treatment of chronic, recurring migraine headaches.Ginger Root, Nature's Way, 550 mg, 180 Caps
Ginger root is especially useful for bowel disorders including digestion, morning sickness, motion sickness and nausea.Glucosamine Sulfate (FlexMax), Nature's Way, 750 mg, 80 Tabs
Numerous scientific studies show glucosamine sulfate to be highly effective. An advancement over competitive brands, FlexMax glucosamine sulfate is non-irritating to the stomach because of its proprietary StomachGuard technology that utilizes plant fibers to form a protective gel around the tablet upon entering the digestive tract.MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane), 1000 mg, 120 Caps, Pure Lignisul with Free 4 oz. Lotion
Buy MSM Supplement caps and get a 4 oz. Lotion free. MSM supplement plays a beneficial role in connective tissue and joint flexibility, immune health, arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, pain, hair, skin, nails, athletic injuries, acne, wrinkles and allergies.Natural Aspirin Alternative, White Willow Bark Extract, 390 mg, 60 Tabs
Used to treat bursitis, tendonitis, headaches, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, toothache, and menstrual cramps, White Willow is being used by more people as a safer, natural alternative to aspirin.Niacinamide Non-Flushing Niacin, 100% Natural, Vitamin B-3, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
The benefits of Niacin without the discomforts associated with a Niacin flush. Nature's Way Niacinamide is 100% natural.Pain Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Use the Pain Formula to alleviate pain naturally.Samento (Uncaria Tomentosa), Extra Strength 0.5% POA, 600 mg, 30 Caps
This extra strength formula is said to be 100 times more effective than Cat's Claw. Samento is beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions; these include but are not limited to cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa), Standardized To 95% Curcuminoids, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 120 Tabs
Nature's Way standardized Turmeric extract is a technically advanced herbal extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids. This is the highest concentration of curcuminoids available.Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex Formula), 60 Tabs
Superbly formulated, Ultimate B, vitamin B Complex Formula, is a synergistic blend of herbs, superfoods, and enzymes made of 33% food ingredients for easy absorption.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin), 2000 mcg, 100 Sublingual Lozenges
Nature's Way Sublingual Vitamin B-12 is 100% natural from cyanocobalamin concentrate.Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Vitamin C 500 with Rosehips, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Rosehips offers a rich whole plant source of vitamin C and provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.White Willow Bark, 100% Natural, 400 mg, 100 Caps
White Willow bark (Salix alba) was the basis for the synthesis of aspirin. It contains salicin and related compounds. It has been used for more than 2,000 years to relieve aches and pains of all sorts.Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Zinc is a pure liquid Zinc supplement. Zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication.Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
HerbalRemedies: Bursitis Information
HerbalRemedies: Bursitis Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Arthritis / Joint Pain / Stiffness Information
HerbalRemedies: Gout Information
HerbalRemedies: Rheumatism / Rheumatoid Arthritis Information
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
