Home Remedies For Bursitis

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is caused when there is a swelling or irritation of one or more bursae. A bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid and is located near the bones, tendons and muscles. It acts like a cushion to reduce friction between the tissues of the body. About 160 bursae are scattered throughout the body. When one or more bursae become inflamed due to constant rubbing of the tendon over the bone, it causes pain and irritation and limits the movement of the nearby joints. The inflammation may be caused by an injury, infection or even arthritis.

The most common areas affected by Bursitis are ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, thighs, and buttocks. This disease can be prevented and cured by adopting measures like stretching before exercising, strengthening the muscles, taking rests while doing repetitive tasks and adopting natural home remedies for Bursitis.

Causes and Symptoms of Bursitis

Prolonged excessive pressure, strain and repetitive movements cause Bursitis. Activities like leaning on the elbows for a long time, sitting on hard surfaces for longer periods of time and extensive kneeling increase the risks of developing Bursitis. Common activities like gardening, carpet laying, cycling and sports like ice skating and baseball require repetitive movements and excessive pressure and tend to cause Bursitis. Chronic or acute traumatic injuries tend to cause bursa related inflammations.

Diseases like Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Scleroderma can be held responsible for causing Bursitis. With the advancement of age, tendons become less elastic and hence are easily torn. Septic Bursitis is caused by infections. Bursae at the knee and elbow are more prone to Septic Bursitis. Diabetes treatment, certain kidney conditions and excessive alcohol consumption are the root cases of Septic Bursitis.

Typically, Bursitis affected area becomes red, stiff and swollen. There could be a burning sensation in the surrounding area. It hurts on pressing or moving it. Other serious symptoms include fevers, chills and sweats. In most of the cases, the pain becomes worse during night while sleeping (depending on the sleeping posture and the area of inflammation). Infectious Bursitis involves more serious and aggressive treatment as compared to non infectious Bursitis.

Natural Home Remedies for Bursitis

• Applying ice packs on the affected area is the easiest possible natural remedy to reduce pain and inflammation caused by Bursitis.
• Hops, Chamomile and Skullcap tea with their therapeutic properties are efficient home remedies for Bursitis. They speedup the healing process.
• Soaking the affected area in warm water with some Epsom in it is an extremely effective home treatment for all kinds of inflammations including Bursitis.
• Repeatedly placing a cloth soaked in mullein tea on the Bursitis affected area provides instant relief.  Consuming avocadoes on a daily basis is one of the best natural home remedies for Bursitis as it facilitates the production of the lubricating fluid present in bursae.
• Drinking a mixture of honey, water and apple cider vinegar is beneficial in curing the disease.
• Applying tea tree oil or sesame oil on the area of inflammation is a highly recommended home remedy for this disease.
• Applying lobelia oil on the affected area eases the stiffness caused by the inflammation.
• Massaging the affected area with warm olive oil is a simple yet effective natural remdy for Bursitis.
• The Bromelain enzyme present in pineapples is beneficial in the treatment of Bursitis.
• Turmeric is one of the most popular natural home remedies for Bursitis and other inflammations.
• Prepare a sandalwood paste by mixing one teaspoon of sandalwood powder and some water. Apply this paste on the affected area to cure the inflammation naturally.
• Soak two teaspoons of grated potato overnight in one cup of water. In the morning, drink this water on an empty stomach. Continue the process for at least one week to reduce the swelling and pain. Applying hot potato or cabbage leaf packs serves the same purpose.
• Mixture of chaparral, comfrey and alfalfa is a tried and tested home remedy for Bursitis treatment.
• Add one tablespoon of cayenne pepper in a cup of apple cider vinegar and boil the mixture for about 15 minutes. Applying this mixture on the affected area has been accepted as a good natural cure for the disease.
• Applying warm comfrey, oat straw or horsetail compresses on the affected area is beneficial in reducing pain and stiffness caused by Bursitis.

Diet for Bursitis

The most essential part of a diet to prevent and cure Bursitis is Vitamin C. It facilitates the healing process and reduces the pain and inflammation in no time. Foods containing bioflavonoids should also be included in the diet to facilitate the absorption of vitamin C. The juices of fruits such as orange and pineapple should be consumed regularly. Vitamin B found in broccoli, spinach and bananas is also beneficial in the cure.

Calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies make the patient more prone to any kind of inflammations. Magnesium is particularly beneficial in the treatment of Bursitis. Leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium. Fresh fruits and vegetables are unmatched sources of a host of essential vitamins and minerals that help cure the disease and protect against future occurrence of the disease. The patient should try to stay away from refined and processed junk foods which are good for nothing.