Bursitis is an inflammation of one or more bursa (fluid-filled sacs that are reduce friction around joints).
The most common bursa to become inflamed is in the shoulder. The cause of bursitis is mostly unknown, but trauma or arthritis may be involved.
Checklist for Bursitis
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| See also: Homeopathic Remedies for Bursitis | ||
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary
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Acute bursitis causes pain, tenderness over the inflamed bursa, and limited range of motion. Chronic bursitis attacks may follow acute bursitis, unusual exercise, or strain. Attacks may last a few days to several weeks and are characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin (Bayer®, Ecotrin®, Bufferin®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), and naproxen (Aleve®), may be adequate to treat the pain associated with bursitis.
Prescription strength NSAIDs including ibuprofen (Motrin®), naproxen (Anaprox®, Naprosyn®), etodolac (Lodine®), and indomethacin (Indocin®) are prescribed when over the counter products are ineffective. Narcotic pain-relievers including codeine (Tylenol® with Codeine) and hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Lortab®) are also used. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone®) and methylprednisolone (Medrol®) are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections such as methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®) may be necessary to reduce inflammation in chronic, severe cases. For non-infected, acute bursitis, injections of the local anesthetic lidocaine (Xylocaine®) may be used if other remedies don’t adequately relieve pain.
In a preliminary study, intramuscular injections of vitamin B121 2 relieved the symptoms of acute subdeltoid (shoulder) bursitis and also decreased the amount of calcification in some cases. This mechanism is not understood. Oral B vitamins are unlikely to have the same effect, since the body’s absorption of vitamin B12 is quite limited. A doctor should be consulted regarding B12 or B12/niacin injections.
While there have been few studies on herbal therapy for bursitis, most practitioners would consider using anti-inflammatory herbs that have proven useful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These would include boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical cayenne ointment.
1. Klemes IS. Vitamin B12 in acute subdeltoid bursitis. Indust Med Surg 1957;26:290–2.
2. Kellman M. Bursitis: a new chemotherapeutic approach. J Am Osteopathic Assoc 1962;61:896–903.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.