Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs
around a joint. These pockets, called "bursa,"
provide joint lubrication. Inflammation of the
bursa causes severe pain during movement. The
joints of the shoulders, elbows, knees and
Achilles' tendons are most vulnerable. Frozen
shoulder, tennis elbow and bunions are all examples of
bursitis and often involve tendinitis
as well. Typical inflammatory signs include
redness and heat, swelling and tenderness. With
rest, healing should not take longer than two weeks.
Bursitis is often caused by an injury or repetitive
stress to the joint. It can occur with arthritis, an
infection, or as a result of calcium
deposits causing friction. Glucosamine is a nutrient that is found naturally in
the body, mostly in cartilage. It is essentially a combination of glucose and
amine, an ammonia derivative containing nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. With age,
cartilage loses glucosamine and thins leading to joint pain, stiffness and
swelling. Overexposure to cold causes a predisposition to inflammation. Bursitis
at the Achilles' tendon is common in young women as a result of poor shoe
selection, when the hard back of the shoe presses continually against the tendon
just above the heel. Bunions are also often associated with bursitis as a result
of inappropriate footwear. Bursitis can become chronic, recurring frequently
when the joint continues to undergo repeated strain and overuse.
Supplements and herbs
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids reduce
inflammation and pain, and speed healing. Bioflavonoids
act similarly and improve vitamin C absorption. Vitamins A and E, and silica benefit connective
tissue repair.
Bromelain is an enzyme which acts as an
anti-inflammatory when taken between meals.
Glucosamine supplements, in combination
with proper diet and vitamins, can rebuild
damaged cartilage. As an anti-inflammatory agent and
painkiller, it is effective for long-term treatment
of chronic illnesses. Most patients experience
relief after taking glucosamine for six weeks.
If the problem persists, intramuscular injections of
vitamin B12 and
magnesium sulphate, by a
physician have provided relief of pain and help
break up calcium deposits over time. In some
cases, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) successfully
treats bursitis. A vitamin B complex with at least
50 mg of vitamins B5 and B12 should be added to
the protocol.
If the problem fails to improve with dietary
change or supplementation, consider the possibility of
food allergy, assimilation problems and
digestive enzyme insufficiencies, especially
hydrochloric acid.
Herbal Remedies
- Apply warm comfrey,
horsetail or oat straw
compresses to the affected area help relieve the
pain and stiffness.
- Arnica and comfrey salves help speed healing.
- Use a hot mullein poultice to relieve the pain.
- With pus inflammation, apply hot fenugreek
seed packs.
- Alfalfa, chaparral and stinging
nettle juices
supply the minerals needed for nourishing and
strengthening the tissues. Another good
combination is horsetail and oat straw juice and a
dash of capsicum. Take 1 tbsp. of juice daily.
- Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric
and in some studies it has been reported to be
as effective as cortisone without any of the
associated side-effects. Take 500-1,000 mg
three times daily on an empty stomach for
about six weeks.
What else you can do
- Pulsed electromagnetic therapy is highly
recommended to eliminate pain, as well as to
increase blood circulation, bringing the
required nutrients to the injured area.
- During the acute stage, rest and immobilize the
affected part.
- As soon as acute symptoms subside, gentle
movement will help recovery.
- Apply hot potato or cabbage leaf packs to
promote healing.
- Apple cider vinegar compresses relieve pain
and stiffness.
- Place a protective pad on the affected area to avoid friction.
How much to take
- Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids,
3,000-5,000 mg in divided doses
- Bromelain, 250 mg three times
daily between meals
- Glucosamine, 500 mg three
times daily for four months
- Vitamin E, with mixed
tocopherols, 400 IU
- Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (avoid during
pregnancy) or 25,000 IU beta-carotene
- Vitamin B5, 1,500-3,000 mg daily for six
weeks
- Vitamin B complex, 50 mg
- Silica, 1,000 mg
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