Bursitis is the term used to describe inflammation of a bursa. Bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs which lubricate and cushion pressure points between the bones and the tendons as well as the muscles near the joints, helping them operate smoothly. When bursitis occurs, movement or pressure is painful.

In most cases, areas affected include the joints in the shoulders, elbows or hips. However, a person can also experience bursitis in other areas such as the knee, heel and even in the base of the big toe. Pain associated with bursitis pain typically subsides and diminishes with a week’s time with proper treatment, but recurrent flare-ups of bursitis are common and can be frustrating.

Signs & symptoms of bursitis really depend on the area affected. A person may experience:

• A dull ache or stiffness in the area of the elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, big toe or other joints.
  
  
• A worsening of pain with movement or pressure.
  
  
• An area that feels swollen or warm to the touch.
  
  
• Occasional skin redness in the area of the inflamed bursa.

Bursitis is typically caused by overuse, stress or direct trauma to a joint. But in some cases, it can result from an infection, arthritis or gout. Many times, the cause is unknown.

Other forms of bursitis are caused by repetitive motion related to certain activities:

Shoulder - Bursitis of the shoulder is often caused by an injury to the rotator cuff such as falling, lifting and repetitive overhead arm activities. Poor posture can also cause shoulder bursitis.

Elbow – Bursitis of the elbow is often caused by actions requiring a person to repeatedly bend and extend the elbow. These activities include throwing a baseball, swinging a tennis racket or a golf club.

Buttocks - Bursitis of the buttocks is characterized by an inflammation in the bursa over the bone in the buttocks. This type of bursitis may result from sitting on a hard surface for long periods, such as on a bike.

Hip - Bursitis of the hip is frequently linked to arthritis or a hip injury.

Knee – Bursitis of the knee involves a soft, egg-shaped bump that occurs on the front of the knee as is usually caused by repetitive kneeling or other activities that place pressure on the knees. The bursae around the kneecap can also become inflamed as a result of a sharp blow to the knee.

Ankle - Bursitis of the ankle commonly occurs as a result of improper footwear or prolonged walking or in sports, such as ice-skating.

The regimen outlined below includes a safe, natural approach to treating & preventing bursitis:

Always warm up before activities with mild stretching.

Strengthen muscles to reduce stress on the soft tissues.

Change daily activities that may contribute to bursitis pain.

Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.

Get plenty of rest.

The supplements listed below may also be very helpful:

Vitamin B-12 (take as directed by a professional) - Relieves symptoms of bursitis. Injections by a healthcare practitioner are recommended but if not available use sublingual form.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) and Magnesium (750 mg daily) - Needed for connective tissue repair.

Free Form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label on an empty stomach) - Aids healing of tendons & tissues.

Vitamin E (start with 400 IU daily then increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily) - Natural anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenger.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (3,000 - 8,000 mg daily, in divided doses) - Reduces inflammation and is essential for the formation of collagen, which is a protein in connective tissue.

MSM (take as directed on label) - Helps increase the absorption of crucial B vitamins, while promoting improved joint, connective tissue and skin health.

Samento (take as directed on label) - Beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, bursitis and rheumatism.

Turmeric (take as directed on label) - Natural anti-inflammatory.

Cayenne - Relieves pain and reduces swelling when applied topically.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.