Bursitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of the bursa, small fluid-filled sacs found in the joints, muscles, tendons, and bones that help to promote muscular movement by cushioning the bones against friction.  Arthritic conditions, calcium deposits, food allergies, or injuries can cause bursitis.  This disorder typically afflicts hip or shoulder joints and is also known as “tennis elbow,” “bunions,” or “frozen shoulder.”

The most common cause of this type of inflammation is a sudden excessive tension on a tendon or bursa.  Repeated trauma, such as from intense sports, can result in similar injury.  Some tendonitis may have an anatomical basis, in that the grooves in which the tendons move may develop bone spurs or other mechanical abnormalities.  A physician should be consulted when there is severe pain, loss of function, and pain that persists for more than two weeks.

1.                  After an injury or sprain, immediate injury first-aid is very important.  The acronym RICE summarizes the approach:  Rest the injured part as soon as it is hurt, to avoid further injury; Ice the area of pain to decrease swelling and bleeding; Compress the area with an elastic bandage to limit swelling and bleeding; Elevate the part above the level of the heart to increase drainage of fluids out of the injured area.

2.                  After an acute injury, you must rest the injured part to realistically expect any improvement.  If the injury is the result of repetitive motion at work, then take a couple of days off.  If it’s the result of exercise, change your routine to avoid re-injury or rupture of the tendon.  For example, if you have Achilles’ tendon pain from running, switch to bicycling.

3.                  To ice an injured part after an acute injury, first cover the injury with a towel and then place an ice pack on it.  Do not wrap the injured part so tightly that circulation is impaired.  The ice and compress should be applied for 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes without.  This allows for re-circulation.

4.                  In chronic tendonitis, apply warm moist heat to the area.  This can be done with a wet towel, covered by a plastic wrap, and a heating pad turned on low.  Another option is to use a castor oil pack, or castor oil covered by wool flannel, and then apply heating pad.  The heat will increase circulation to the area and promote healing.

5.                  If you’re experiencing bursitis, and it’s not related to an injury, then consider getting your food allergies checked.  Inflammation of the joints is often related to food sensitivity.  (See “Allergy—Foods” and “Arthritis.”)

6.                  Stretch and warm-up before exercising.  Stretching prevents the shortening of muscles and tendons that goes along with exercise.  People who are less flexible are more prone to develop tendinitis.

7.                  If you need a little extra support during and after exercise, wear a brace.  This will not weaken your tendons and muscles provided you continue exercising.  Exercise, particularly after tendonitis has healed, will strengthen the muscles and help to prevent re-injury.

8.                  If the injury has resulted in calcification and adhesions, ultrasound may be beneficial.  This should be used three times weekly to stretch and remove adhesions and contractures that can develop in tissues after injury.

9.                  Have your doctor check your DHEA Sulfate level.  Keeping hormone levels, such as DHEA, as near to mid-range as possible helps to keep the body functioning at its optimum.  Pregnenolone is a hormone that aids in tissue repair and should be taken with DHEA.  Both of these hormone supplements are available from natural plant sources.  (See “Hypothyroidism.”)

10.             Supplements known to be beneficial include vitamins A, C and E, Beta-carotene, B- complex, Bioflavonoids, the minerals magnesium, selenium and zinc, and proteolytic enzymes (such as Bromelain).  Daily Vitamin B₁₂ injections have been shown to relieve pain in most bursitis patients and facilitate resorption of calcium deposits.

11.             Herbs found to be helpful are comfrey, curcumin, goldenseal, and horsetail.

12.             Homeopathics recommended include:  Arnica (for any acute injuries), Bryonia (pain worse with movement), Calcarea Phosphoricum (worse in damp weather), Dulcamara (worse with the change in weather), Rhododendron (pain of small joints, worse before thunderstorms), Rhus Toxicodendron (pain worse at rest and at night; better with motion), Ruta Graveolens (if tendons are involved—especially those of the wrist and ankle), and Symphytum (if fracture is involved).

To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.NewHopeMedical.org or call NEW HOPE MEDICAL CENTER at (702) 476-0000 (direct line) or toll free (866) HEAL-NOW!