- 1. Anti-inflammatories
- 2. Corticoids
- 3. Muscle relaxants
- 4. Antibiotics
- Home treatment options
- When to do physical therapy
The most widely used remedies for bursitis, which is characterized by an inflammation of the liquid pocket that cushions the friction between tendons and bones or skin in the joint, are mainly pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, which help to relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation and should be used with medical advice.
In addition, homemade measures can also be adopted, such as taking rest and ice packs, for example, as they are natural ways to reduce inflammation and symptoms of pain, swelling, redness and difficulty moving the affected area, such as the shoulder, hip, elbow or knee, for example.
The inflammation that occurs in bursitis can have several causes, such as blows, repetitive efforts, arthritis or infections, in addition to happening due to the worsening of a tendonitis. The most indicated remedies must be prescribed by the orthopedist, after evaluation and confirmation of the diagnosis:
1. Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), nimesulide (Nisulid) or ketoprofen (Profenid) in tablet, injectable or gel, are prescribed by the general practitioner or orthopedist, as they help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs for more than 7 to 10 days, or repeatedly, as they can cause side effects in the body, such as kidney damage or stomach ulcers, for example. Therefore, if the pain persists, it is recommended to ask the doctor for further guidance on how to continue treatment.
Thus, like tablets, anti-inflammatory ointments should not be used continuously, and should be used for up to 14 days or according to medical advice.
2. Corticoids
Corticosteroid injections, such as methylprednisolone or triamcinolone, for example, in combination with 1-2% lidocaine, are usually used by the doctor in cases of bursitis that do not improve with treatment or in cases of chronic bursitis. This medication is injected to have a more direct effect within the inflamed joint, which can be more effective and faster than other forms of treatment.
In some cases, such as acute bursitis, the doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone (Prelone, Predsim), for a few days, to help relieve pain.
3. Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine (Benziflex, Miorex), are also useful to treat the discomfort caused by bursitis, if muscle tension occurs during the condition, which further worsens the pain and discomfort for the mobilization of the site.
4. Antibiotics
In case of suspected infection as a cause of bursitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics in pill or injection and request the collection of fluid from the joint, to do a laboratory exam and identify the microorganism.
Home treatment options
An excellent home remedy for acute bursitis is the application of ice packs to the affected joint, for 15 to 20 minutes, about 4 times a day, for 3 to 5 days.
This treatment will have a better effect in the acute phase of inflammation, especially when there is pain, swelling and redness. At this stage, it is also important to rest, so that the movement of the joint does not worsen the condition.
Some physiotherapy exercises can also be done at home, stretching, flexibility and proprioception, which help in recovery. Check out some shoulder proprioception exercises to do at home.
In addition, the treatment can also be complemented with the use of natural remedies mentioned by the nutritionist in the following video:
When to do physical therapy
Ideally, physiotherapy should be done in all cases of bursitis or tendonitis. Physiotherapeutic treatment is done with techniques and exercises to increase the mobility of the affected joint and muscle stretches to improve its function, and ideally, it should be done at least twice a week or daily.
