Home Remedies for Bursitis

Home Remedies for Bursitis 1. Cold Compresses When dealing with swelling and pain due to bursitis, cold compresses are a good remedy. The cold temperature helps bring down the initial swelling and reduces pain by numbing the affected area. It also helps reduce tenderness and inflammation. Cold compresses are usually most effective when used within 24 to 48 hours of developing bursitis. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel. Put the ice pack gently on the affected joint for about 15 minutes. After removing it, elevate the joint above your heart and rest.

Repeat a few times a day until you get relief. Note: Do not apply ice directly on the skin as it can cause frostbite. 2. Warm Compresses After 48 hours for acute bursitis or anytime for chronic bursitis, warm compresses are very helpful. They help improve blood flow to the affected joint, reduce stiffness and fight inflammation. Dampen a thin towel with warm (not scalding) water. Apply it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat a few times a day.

You can also use a hot water bottle or a heating pad as a warm compress. You can even wash the affected area with warm water. 3. Massage Massage helps reduce the discomforts from a sore joint. It improves circulation and reduces swelling and stiffness.

It also helps you relax. You can do massage yourself or get it done by an expert. Heat up some olive, coconut, sesame or mustard oil. Apply the warm oil on the affected area. Massage using gentle yet firm pressure for 10 minutes. Put a warm towel on the affected area. Repeat a few times daily until your condition improves.

Note: Avoid massage if infection is causing your bursitis. 4. Castor Oil Castor oil is another effective remedy to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.

The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and minimize inflammation. It even helps improve mobility of the joint. Soak a piece of wool flannel in cold-pressed castor oil. Put it on the affected joint and cover it with a plastic wrap.

Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on it and cover that with an old towel. Leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes, then remove it. Gently rub the oily residue left on the skin or rinse it off with warm water. Use this treatment 3 or 4 times a week. 5. Ginger Ginger is a natural pain reliever that can help reduce the pain and discomforts of bursitis. It also contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities similar to aspirin or ibuprofen. In addition, it improves circulation, which promotes quick healing.

Wrap 3 to 4 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it tightly. Put this in hot water for 30 seconds. Allow it to cool, then place it on the affected joint for 10 minutes. Do this 2 or 3 times a day. Another option is to massage the affected area with ginger oil a few times daily. Also, boil 1 tablespoon of sliced ginger in 2 cups of water and let it simmer or 10 minutes. Strain, add raw honey for taste and drink it 2 or 3 times a day.