Bursitis is a condition which affects the bursae, a gathering of specific fluid-filled sacs found at the level of joints from shoulders, knees, and other areas of the body. It’s typically some sort of inflammation which results in symptoms such as swellings, redness, and stiffness. There are plenty of possible causes, though one of the most common is overworking of the body. That being said, the first step you should take toward recovery is giving your body some rest. Typically, with the use of some home remedies for bursitis and rest, the condition will fade in a couple of weeks.
Below, you find some of our best treatment recommendations. All of them are natural, healthy, and easy to procure. While they are really effective as long as you use them regularly and according to the directions, they can’t substitute professional help. If the pain becomes sharp and you experience abnormal swellings, consult a medic immediately.
1. Cold Compresses
Applying something cold to the areas affected by bursitis is an excellent way of dealing with most of the major symptoms of this condition. Cold is going to reduce swelling and pain by numbing the area. In order for this remedy to really work, make sure to use it within 24 to 48 hours since the problem first appeared.
Instructions:
- Grab a fistful of ice cubes and then wrap them in a thin towel.
- Press this compress directly to the affected joint and keep it against the area for 15 minutes.
- Afterwards, avoid any straining movements and instead rest.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times throughout the day for the next few days until you notice an improvement in your condition.
2. Warm Compresses
Alternatively, warm compresses make home remedies for bursitis just as excellent as the cold ones. Similarly, this kind of compress is most effective when you use the treatment within 48 hours since the development of the condition, at most. Warmth will improve circulation to the joints, thus bringing relief from pain and reducing swellings.
Instructions:
- First, decide on the kind of compress that you want to use. You can use heating pads, a hot towel, or even a plastic bottle filled with hot water and wrapped in a towel.
- Press the compress against the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
- To get the results that you desire, repeat this process several times a day until you see the problem has dissipated.
3. Massage
Massaging the sensitive area is going to help your muscles relax while simultaneously improving blood circulation. This is going to reduce the swelling and the inflammation and soothe the ache of bursitis. Be wary, though, that you have to avoid massages if your bursitis has an infection has its possible cause. Make sure to consult a doctor about the exact cause of your condition.
Instructions:
- You can attempt a massage yourself by heating up a bit of oil. This oil can either be coconut, sesame, olive, or mustard.
- Rub gently into the sensitive area and then start massaging in circular motions using firm, but careful presses.
- Do this for 10 minutes.
- Next, cover the area with a warm towel and remove it when it cools down completely.
- Repeat this remedy every day until you get the final result you desire.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a naturally analgesic ingredient, which means that it has properties similar to those of ibuprofen, being able to bring swift and strong relief to swellings and pain. Furthermore, ginger will also improve blood circulation, facilitating an efficient and quick healing. For this reason, ginger is one of the most effective home remedies for bursitis and other types of inflammations.
Instructions:
- Grab some ginger and then grate it.
- Grab 3-4 tablespoons of the freshly grated ginger and then wrap tightly in a cheesecloth, tying it tightly.
- Place everything in a bowl with hot water for 30 seconds.
- Next, allow this compress to cool down and then apply to the affected area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day to get the relief that you’re looking for.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil contains a substance known as ricinoleic acid, which is one of the many compounds that double as natural analgesics which can easily bring relief in case you’re struggling with pain and swellings. Aside from dealing with the inflammatory part of bursitis, castor oil can also improve mobility in case of joint stiffness.
Instructions:
- Pour a bit of castor oil in a container and then soak a piece of wool flannel.
- Place the piece over the affected area and then secure in place with a piece of plastic wrap.
- On top of that, place a heating pad or a hot towel.
- And on top of that, place another towel.
- Wait 30-40 minutes and then remove everything.
- Gently rub off the excess oily residue with cool water or a piece of paper.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has excellent natural anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it also has the ability to restore alkalinity of your body, thus creating an environment that allows for faster healing. Apple cider vinegar is among the most reliable and easy-to-procure home remedies for bursitis.
Instructions:
- For external use, soak an old towel in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and then wrap the towel around the affected joint for 2-3 hours.
- Furthermore, you can also use ACV internally by creating a mixture of 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, some honey, and a glass of water.
- Repeat both of these remedies daily to get the results that you’re looking for.
7. Turmeric
Thanks to the highly anti-inflammatory primary compound called curcumin, turmeric is definitely one of the most powerful home remedies for bursitis. It can truly bring relief to swollen and inflamed bursae and get you on the road to recovery. Before attempting this remedy, consult your doctor, seeing how turmeric can interfere with medication, especially blood thinners. Turmeric works best through internal use.
Instructions:
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and then bring it all to several boils (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in a little bit of honey once it cools down slightly.
- Drink this mixture daily until your problem dissipates.
8. White Willow Bark
White willow bark is a common inclusion in many over-the-shelf remedies for pain and inflammations. This is because it contains a compound called salicin, which is a fantastic natural painkiller. It will bring relief to the aches and soreness associated with bursitis and help your joints gradually get better.
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and then add 1/2 teaspoon of dried white willow bark.
- Cover and then let everything steep for 15 minutes.
- Lastly, strain the drink and consume it.
- Have this tea 2 times a day until you get to the results that satisfy you.
9. Mullein
Mullein tea, in external use, makes one of the best home remedies for bursitis due to the natural analgesic properties of mullein. This is an herb that can soothe inflammations and bring a little bit of relief to swollen and sore joints. It’s definitely a remedy to consider when you’re in need of a little bit of help.
Instructions:
- Add 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves to 2 cups of hot water.
- Grab a clean cloth and soak it in this mixture, squeezing out the excess liquid.
- Wrap the cloth around the affected area and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Repeat this as many times as you see it necessary to gain some relief.
10. Potatoes
When added to a diet, potatoes can often worsen the symptoms of bursitis. However, if you follow a topical treatment using potatoes, you can actually bring relief to swollen and pain-ridden joints. Potato juice actually has some excellent anti-inflammatory properties if you know how to use them the right way.
Instructions:
- Boil around 2 potatoes until they become soft and tender.
- Next, crush them to get a paste.
- Spread the potatoes over a gauze.
- Then, place the gauze over the sensitive area and secure in place using a plastic wrap.
- Keep it on until the gauze cools down and repeat as many times as you see it fit.
11. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains, capsaicin, one of nature’s greatest anti-inflammatory agents. It has thermogenic properties which release heat in your body. Thus, aside from directly soothing pain and swelling, it also promotes faster healing by improving circulation and making easier to recover from this condition.
Instructions:
- Combine 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Boil this mixture for 15 minutes on low flame.
- Dip a cotton towel in this solution once it becomes bearable enough for the skin.
- Apply to the sensitive area and then wrap the towel, keeping it on for 10-15 minutes or until it cools down.
- Repeat as many times as you need to see the results that you’re looking for.
12. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a common inclusion in plenty of pain-relieving massages. It has the ability to add moisture and to ring mobility to your joints. This, in turn, is going to help reduce the pain and inflammation resulting from friction of movement. Olive oil, being a common household item, makes one of the most accessible home remedies for bursitis.
Instructions:
- Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Rub it between your palms and then gently, but firmly, rub it into the sensitive areas affected by bursitis.
- Keep doing this for 4-5 minutes and then wrap a warm towel around the area.
- Stay with the towel on until it cools down.
- Remove and remove excess oiliness with a bit of warm of water or a paper towel.
- Repeat this as many times as you need to get rid of the pain.
Conclusion
Bursitis has a number of different causes, which makes it a bit more difficult to avoid that someone would expect. Luckily, if this condition does end up overtaking you, it’s not impossible to deal with. The aforementioned home remedies for bursitis are surely going to provide some relief against inflammation, swelling, and pain. But don’t forget that your doctor’s opinion is still important, so if you see the symptoms persisting, you should immediately pay a visit to their office.
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