Bursitis

Symptoms

You may notice:

• Joint pain and tenderness when you press around the joint
• Stiffness and achiness when you move the affected joint
• Swelling, warmth or redness over the joint

Causes

Bursae are fluid-filled cavities near joints where tendons or muscles pass over bony projections. They assist movement and reduce friction between moving parts.

Bursitis can be caused by

• chronic overuse,
• trauma,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• gout, or
• infection.

Sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the Achilles tendon and the foot.

Chronic inflammation can occur with repeated injuries or attacks of bursitis.

Traditional Medical Treatment Options

Your health care provider may recommend temporary rest or immobilization of the affected joint.

Medicines Two Choices for You

Dr. Huntoon's Alternative Medical Treatment Options

Conservative Care First

Dr. Huntoon has studied and specializes in several techniques that helps him to get to the CAUSE of the bursitis by balancing the muscles, the tendons, and the bursae while addressing the underlying irritants to the area involved.  This can be due to any of the 7 Pillars of Health.

Working with a Holistic Chiropractor who has experience in addressing this annoying condition is warranted.  Understanding what is causing your bursitis is important.  Discussing expectations and the time commitment necessary is necessary.  Developing a well-rounded, mutifaceted approach to addressing all the components causing your bursitis is prudent.

Many people have also benefited from acupuncture.

The Medical Perspective

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may relieve pain and inflammation. Formal physical therapy may be helpful as well.

If the inflammation does not respond to the initial treatment, it may be necessary to draw out fluid from the bursa and inject corticosteroids. Surgery is rarely required.

Exercises for the affected area should be started as the pain goes away. If muscle atrophy (weakness or decrease in size) has occurred, your health care provider may suggest exercises to build strength and increase mobility.

Bursitis caused by infection is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the infected bursa must be drained surgically.

Medicines Two Choices for You

Your Solution

Expectations (prognosis)

The condition may respond well to treatment, or it may develop into a chronic condition if the underlying cause cannot be corrected.  That is why it is important to talk with your Holistic Chiropractor before doing anything else.  This is the best form of care to restore health to your body.

Complications

Chronic bursitis may occur.

Too many steroid injections over a short period of time can cause injury to the surrounding tendons.

Calling Your Health Care Provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

Prevention

Avoid activities that include repetitive movements of any body parts whenever possible.  Working with a Holistic Chiropractor to develop a healthy life-style is wise.