Bursitis

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ask: What is good to take for bursitis in shoulder and arm

By Anonymous March 31, 2010 - 6:20pm
 
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In left shoulder. Would like natural remedy

 
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Pat Elliott

Hi Anon - I've had bursitis, and it can be very painful. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa which is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. The bursa reduces friction between the tendon and bone, allowing the tendon to glide easily over the bone. There are many bursae in the body protecting underlying tendons. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints:

* Shoulder
* Elbow
* Knee
* Hip
* Ankle

Acute bursitis may be caused by:

* A blow to an area containing a bursa
* Overexertion of a joint (eg, swimming a long distance or throwing a ball many times)

Chronic bursitis is usually caused by long-term overuse of one muscle-tendon unit, for example a joint. The repeated motion of that muscle-tendon unit causes friction in the bursa. As the activity continues, the bursa becomes inflamed and may fill with fluid. The bursa thickens and does not function well. Both bursa and tendon may become irritated.

Acute bursitis treatment may include some of the following:

* Resting the affected area
* Icing the painful area
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Having a cortisone injection
* Protecting the area from trauma

Treatment for chronic bursitis may include:

* Stopping the activity causing pain
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Protecting the bursa from trauma
* Having physical therapy, including exercising and applying heat
* Having a cortisone injection
* Undergoing surgery

To protect against bursitis in the future, the following is recommended:
* Do not overdo sports and other activities.
* When doing a new activity, gradually increase the length of time you do it.
* Make sure you perform activities correctly.
* Wear protective pads if you play contact sports.

You can find additional information from:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/tabs/Index.aspx

Please let us know if this helps you, and we hope you feel better soon.
Take care, Pat

April 1, 2010 - 5:39pm
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Anonymous (reply to Pat Elliott)

Thank You Pat! I am 66yrs old and I am helping build our new house for the last five yrs so I know now I have to rest it once in awhile. Are next project on it is to paint the inside walls , wish me luck! Judy

April 1, 2010 - 6:41pm
Pat Elliott (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Judy - I got bursitis the first time from cleaning walls, so please be careful when you do the painting. I love that you're 66 years old and so active! Pat

April 1, 2010 - 6:43pm
punkie

I have bursitis in my right shoulder and have ordered some patches on line. They are natural, which is what I am looking for without having to go through the shot or surgery. Do you know if they really work. I've read the testimonies, but...not really sure they will work for me.
THX!
Cindy

February 26, 2011 - 1:16pm
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