Bursitis treatment may be able to reduce the pain in your joints. Bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the small, fluid-filled pads called bursa, and effective bursitis treatments allow the bursa and tendon adequate time to mend.
Causes of Bursitis
Repetitive motions, excessive pressure to a joint, sitting on hard surfaces for extended lengths of time, lifting heavy objects and stressing the joint through normal movements contribute to aggravating the bursa pads. A direct puncture to the elbow or knee area where the bursa pads lie just beneath the skin can also cause an infection and a more severe case of bursitis.
Time Frame
Treatment of bursitis is a slow process that can take significant lengths of time in severe cases. The most common treatment is to rest and keep the affected joint inactive as much as possible.
A two- to three-week period is the initial timeframe for healing, and it is important to keep the area supported and immobile. Keep any unnecessary movement, stretching or exercising that has a direct impact on the affected joint during the initial stages of healing to a minimum.
Healing of the affected area can take anywhere from six weeks to a year, depending on the severity of the injury. Once you have healed, you may want to try physical therapy or bursitis exercises to regain strength and flexibility.
Treatment
For mild cases, recommendations may include reducing any pressure to the affected joint, supporting the area when sleeping with soft foam pillows or when sitting or lying down and reducing any compression that will stress the area.
Topical sprays or creams containing anti-inflammatory agents or natural supplements can ease the pain without causing stiffness to the tissue. While ice reduces inflammation, at the same time, it constricts blood vessels, resulting in more stiffening of the affected joint, so use ice only if it makes you feel better.
Discuss alternative treatment of bursitis, such as massage or ultrasound, with your doctor, and get approval before using topical or oral drugs. This is especially important for patients using or taking prescription drugs for medical conditions.
 | Want to know how to treat bursitis? If you have this problem often, you may be able to reduce the pain and swelling at home. |
 | The symptoms of bursitis can appear more frequently as you get older, and knowing how to recognize this condition can help you discuss it with your doctor. |
What is bursitis? Although people complain of it frequently, few individuals know how to define it or confuse it with other muscle and bone conditions. |
With these bursitis exercises, you may be able to reduce pain and prevent future injuries, as long as you move slowly and gently. |
The cause of bursitis might be hard to pin down, as several movements and postures can give rise to this painful condition. |
