Find out how you can treat bursitis

The treatment for bursitis, which consists of inflammation of the bursa, which is a bag that serves to protect the joint and bone, must be guided by an orthopedic doctor and by the physiotherapist and aims to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected region.

Initially, remedies can be used, but it is also recommended to have physiotherapy sessions to control the symptoms, but ultimately, surgery to drain the fluid from the bursa or completely remove the bursa can also be a treatment option, but only in cases where there is infection and the other treatments have had no effect.

What is bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, which is a type of 'pouch' found within some joints that serves to protect and prevent friction between two bony ends. Some joints that contain the bursa, which can develop bursitis, are: the shoulder, hip, ankle, knee and heel.

There are two different bursae on the shoulder, the subacromial bursa and the subdeltoid bursa, and when they become inflamed they cause severe pain located at an exact point on the shoulder. These are the most common types because jobs like raising your arms to clean windows or paint a wall can cause inflammation. See more about shoulder bursitis.

Below we indicate the forms of treatments that can be adopted in the treatment of bursitis.

Remedies for bursitis

The intake of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Dipyrone, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide or Diclofenac, can be guided by the doctor. Ointments of diclofenac, Cataflan or Remon gel, for example, are good options for topical medications. To use, just apply a thin layer to the painful joint, 2 to 3 times a day.

These medications can be used daily for pain relief, but when the pain and discomfort do not cease in 3 months, even with physical therapy, the orthopedist may recommend the use of steroid injections.

In addition, antibiotics can be used when infection occurs, but this is very rare.

How is Physiotherapy for bursitis

Physiotherapy for bursitis should be daily and consists of the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory devices, such as Tens, ultrasound, galvanic current or microcurrents, for example, to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected region.

In addition, physiotherapy also uses techniques and exercises to increase the mobility of the affected joint and muscle stretches to improve its function. Other strategies that can also be useful are:

• Rest; Place an ice pack in the affected region for 20 minutes about 3 times a day.

Physiotherapy usually takes 6 months and, after physiotherapy, it is recommended that the individual continue to practice some physical activity to keep the joint hydrated and the muscles strong, to avoid a new bursitis.

Home treatment to relieve symptoms

Home treatment consists of adopting some precautions to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected region, such as:

• Place ice for 20 minutes, about 3 times a day; Wear jewelery, in case of bursitis in the knee, to support the joint and reduce pain; Do not sleep on the side of the hip with bursitis; When sleeping, put pillows to support the articulation.

In addition, as an alternative treatment to acupuncture, it may be a good option, because by applying the needles to the affected region or the corresponding meridian, it is possible to reduce inflammation and pain.

Natural treatment for bursitis

Natural treatment can be done through food, increasing the consumption of foods with anti-inflammatory properties, in order to reduce inflammation and pain. See which in the following video:

Signs of improvement

Signs of improvement in bursitis arise with treatment and include reduced pain in the affected region and difficulty in moving the affected limb.

Signs of worsening

Signs of worsening of bursitis are related to its complications such as infection of the bursa, for example, and include increased pain in the affected region and difficulty in moving that limb, as well as redness and increased swelling in the affected region., which can also get hot.