Bursitis pain treatment
On occasion, these sacs can become inflamed as a result of injury, trauma, disease state (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.) or repetitive motion. This condition is called bursitis. In cases where the bursa actually becomes infected due to bacteria, this situation is called septic bursitis.
While there is no specific cure, there are many effective treatment options. Depending on the severity of your inflammation, your doctor may suggest a range of treatment options for your bursitis. Bursitis treatment varies depending on whether you have a bacterial infection in the fluid of the swollen bursa. Also, your doctor’s bursitis treatment plan may vary if the cause of your bursitis is an underlying condition such as gout or arthritis. In such cases, bursitis treatment may be more difficult. Part of your bursitis treatment plan should be to prevent flare-ups of gout attacks and arthritic episodes by eating a proper diet and exercising. The treatment of bursitis may entail draining the infected bursa, which requires antibiotic treatment. Your physician will probably also suggest applying an ice pack to the inflamed area to decrease swelling as part of your bursitis treatment. Another sensible component of meeting your bursitis treatment goal is to get adequate rest. Your first line of defense in the treatment of bursitis is to protect the affected area. Rest is sometimes the best therapy. Try to limit your activity of the affected joint for the best bursitis treatment by keeping the pressure off of it by placing an elastic bandage around the joint. You don’t want to worsen the problem or prolong your painful symptoms. Your doctor may know a lot about the treatment of bursitis and how to prevent the return of painful symptoms. Some experts in the treatment of bursitis recommend physical therapy and exercise, although it’s best to begin that treatment after the inflammation has subsided. In fact, if you learn how to properly exercise and move in a way that does not cause inflammation, you will effectively speed up your bursitis treatment progress. Learning proper strength training techniques may prove invaluable in your bursitis treatment, but it’s important to know when to take breaks.
Even in your day-to-day life, make sure to alternate repetitive tasks instead of working continuously on the same task for hours on end.
Effective bursitis treatment also depends on using your common sense. Cushion your joints whenever possible. Your doctor may prescribe medications found to be effective in the treatment of bursitis. Some of the most common bursitis treatment medications include acetaminophen. Acetominophen is appropriate treatment for mild to moderate cases of bursitis. As a pain reliever with no anti-inflammatory properties, acetaminophen is often prescribed with anti-inflammatory medications. Make sure to consult with your doctor since acetaminophen as a bursitis treatment option may cause liver damage if you overdose. Other medications used for bursitis treatment are NSAIDs including those available over-the-counter such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB®, Advil®, Aspirin® and Anacin®). Some of the NSAIDs available for bursitis treatment by prescription only include nabumetone (Relafen®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), indomethacin (Indocin®), piroxicam (Feldene®) diclofenac (Voltaren®) and sulindac (Clinoril®). These drugs are often used in the treatment of bursitis since they help control the swelling of bursitis as well as decrease the pain and stiffness. In administering bursitis treatment, your doctor may choose to prescribe corticosteroids, oral drugs used to treat pain, stiffness and severe inflammation. Prednisone, which should be taken at the lowest possible dose, is the most common oral corticosteroid used in the treatment of bursitis. However, the drug may have severe long term consequences such as high blood pressure, bruising, osteopenia, weight gain, immune suppression, cataracts, sleep deprivation, muscle loss, osteoporosis, and increased susceptibility to infection. Your doctor may inject cortisone for a quick bursitis treatment option since it may provide immediate relief for a tender, swollen or inflamed joint. However, corticosteroids are not completely safe if used on a regular basis as they can weaken cartilage and remove minerals from the bone, resulting in an increase the risk of infection. In conclusion, some of the most common bursitis treatment options include everything from simple solutions such as rest or immobilization of the affected area to medication, many of which have severe side effects, to control pain. If you have bursitis, your treatment will vary depending on the cause of your bursitis. Always consult a physician if choosing medication as part of your bursitis treatment. FLASH
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