Natural treatments for bursitis
Bursitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues and bones. The condition often arises from repetitive motions or excessive pressure on the joints, commonly affecting areas such as the hip, knee, elbow, or heel. While conventional treatments often include rest and anti-inflammatory medications, many individuals search for natural remedies to alleviate symptoms.
Several natural approaches have been suggested, although scientific support for their efficacy is limited. Herbs like white willow may offer some benefits due to their aspirin-like properties, but they have not been specifically tested for bursitis. Other remedies that lack strong evidence include Boswellia, devil's claw, and fish oil, among others. Movement therapies such as yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and the Feldenkrais Method may help improve flexibility and alter repetitive movement patterns, potentially easing symptoms.
Additionally, practices like heat and cold therapy, dietary adjustments, and the use of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and glucosamine are often recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties. Compression and massage therapies may also assist in reducing swelling and discomfort. Overall, while various natural treatments are proposed for bursitis, their effectiveness varies and should be approached with caution.
Natural treatments for bursitis
DEFINITION: Treatment of inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between tissues and bones.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Boswellia, devil’s claw, cat's claw, evening primrose oil, fish oil, movement therapies (such as Pilates and the Feldenkrais Method), proteolytic enzymes, Tai Chi, white willow, yoga, heat and cold therapy, dietary changes, compression, massage therapies, various supplements
Introduction
The muscles and bones of the body work together like a smoothly oiled machine. Some of the “oil” is provided by fluid-filled sacs called bursae. Bursae are strategically located in areas where muscles, ligaments, and tendons might otherwise rub against bones. The smooth surface of a bursa allows tissues to move across each other without friction.
Bursae, however, can become inflamed, leading to a condition called bursitis. One of the main causes of bursitis is repetitive motion. For example, custodians who often use a vacuum cleaner may develop bursitis in the elbow. Excessive pressure, such as that caused by prolonged kneeling, can also injure a bursa. More rarely, gout, arthritis, and certain infections can cause bursitis.
Bursitis occurs most commonly in the hip, knee, elbow, or heel. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and pain with motion.
Conventional treatment involves resting the affected area and using anti-inflammatory drugs. If an attack of bursitis does not respond to this treatment, drainage of the bursa and injection of corticosteroids may be used.
Various practical steps can help prevent bursitis. Using knee pads can protect the bursa of the knee from pressure injury. Exercises that strengthen the muscle around a joint are thought to reduce stress on the bursae in the area. Finally, it is important to break up repetitive movements with alternative movement patterns and periods of rest.
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
There are no natural treatments for bursitis that have meaningful scientific support. The herb white willow has effects similar to those of aspirin, and on this basis, it might be expected to offer some benefit in bursitis. However, white willow has not been directly studied for that purpose.
Other treatments sometimes recommended for bursitis but lack reliable supporting evidence include Boswellia, fish oil, evening primrose oil, proteolytic enzymes, cat's claw, and devil’s claw.
Yoga increases flexibility and might help the symptoms of bursitis by stretching tendons and ligaments, releasing tension in the area around the bursa. Movement therapies, such as Pilates and Feldenkrais, involve deliberate retraining of movement and could, therefore, alter the repetitive movements that can cause bursitis. Tai Chi might also lead to improved movement habits. Other treatments for bursitis include cold therapy, castor oil packs, and consuming acid-forming foods that can alter the body’s pH level and break up areas of fluid.
Several supplements are recommended to help treat bursitis symptoms. These include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil), turmeric, ginger, bromelain, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These can also be added through dietary changes. Finally, compression is believed to reduce swelling and help with inflammation.
Bibliography
"Bursitis." Cleveland Clinic, 7 Mar. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10918-bursitis. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
"Bursitis - Symptoms and Causes." Mayo Clinic, 25 Aug. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
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