Bursitis: 5 Natural Remedies That Help Relieve Symptoms
Where the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments join, there are fluid-filled sacs called serous bursae. When they become inflamed, they cause a condition known as bursitis.
What is bursitis?
Continuous rubbing of the joints is the most common trigger of this kind of painful and in many cases disabling inflammation.
It is important to specify that bursitis and tendonitis are not the same thing.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone.
Bursitis, on the other hand, affects the 150 serous bursae that act as a “cushion” between the tendons, ligaments and bones that surround the joint.
If you have ever suffered from this disorder, you will surely have noticed the swelling, stiffness and redness of the affected area. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment, but in the meantime you can try these simple natural remedies to reduce inflammation and pain.
Take note!
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a classic remedy for treating bursitis naturally.
- Firstly, it allows you to restore the body’s alkalinity and thus to reduce inflammation more quickly.
- The mineral salts present in apple cider vinegar, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus, help treat inflammatory processes affecting the joints.
- Mixed with honey, vinegar becomes a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy that you can use throughout the day.
What do you need?
- A small towel
- ½ cup of raw apple cider vinegar (125 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of honey (7.5 g)
What do you have to do?
- It’s very simple. First of all, mix the apple cider vinegar and honey in a cup.
- Then, soak the towel or a cotton cloth in the product obtained.
- Apply it to the area affected by the bursitis for 15 minutes.
2. Cold therapy in the first 48 hours
The cold temperature is undoubtedly ideal for reducing the initial swelling and “numbing” the pain.
What do you need?
- 10 ice cubes
- A plastic bag
What do you have to do?
- Put the ice cubes in the plastic bag.
- Then, rest the bag over the joint that hurts you for 15 minutes.
- After this time, raise the affected joint above the heart and rest.
- You can repeat the treatment several times a day until you find relief.
3. Massages with essential oils to treat bursitis
There are essential oils that are very useful for treating bursitis. The most suitable are:
- Nutmeg oil : it is very effective for the treatment of pain in the joints thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mint essential oil : it is useful to always have it at hand. The main ingredient in this oil is menthol, which has been used since ancient times to treat pain and inflammation.
- Another oil that helps treat bursitis is coconut oil. It will help you reduce the redness and burning sensation.
To find relief, simply apply a few drops of the oil you have chosen on your fingers and massage in a circular direction.
4. Ginger for pain caused by bursitis
Ginger has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to those of Aspirin and Ibuprofen.
It also improves circulation, a useful action in case of inflammation of the serous bags.
What do you need?
- 3 teaspoons of grated ginger (7 g)
- 1 gauze
- ½ cup of hot water (125 ml)
What do you have to do?
- First, wrap the grated ginger in a piece of cheesecloth.
- Then, soak the ginger gauze in a cup of hot water for 2 minutes.
- Let it cool down a bit, then apply the gauze for 15 minutes.
- You can repeat the treatment 2 or 3 times a day.
5. Adequate rest and a diet rich in magnesium against bursitis
It might seem obvious, but some of the key conditions for relieving bursitis symptoms are adequate rest and correct posture.
- Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatories, but it is essential to minimize joint movement as soon as swelling appears.
- Bursitis arises due to overload, rubbing of the joints with the muscles or ligaments in the vicinity of the serous bursa. Moving the inflamed joint too much will only intensify the pain.
Rest as much as possible and also pay attention to the diet which must be rich in magnesium. Eat bananas, spinach, oats, lentils.
Magnesium, in fact, is very important for the health of the joints, muscles and ligaments.
If you prefer, consult your doctor about whether or not to take magnesium supplements, such as milk of magnesia.
