Bursitis

Excerpts from the entry on Bursitis in Relieving Pain Naturally by Dr. Sylvia Goldfarb and Roberta W. Waddell. For full entries on all 37 conditions and 27 treatments, order the book.

A bursa is a fluid-filled sac located between the bones, tendons, and muscles of the joints. The function of bursae sacs is to lubricate the pressure points so you can move without pain. Bursitis, an inflammation in these sacs, creates pain which, in effect, reverses their ability to function as intended. Bursitis most commonly occurs in the joints of the shoulders, hips, or elbows, but it can also affect the knees, heels, or that part of the big toes adjoining the foot. You can often ease the pain by self-treating, but if the pain lasts more than ten days, if it is disabling or sharp, if swelling redness, or a rash is present, or if you have a fever which could indicate an infection, seek medical attention.

Also in this entry:

• Symptoms
• Common Causes
• Diagnosing the Problem
• Conventional Treatments
• Problems with Some Conventional Treatments
• Self-Help Alternative Treatments
• Assisted Alternative Treatments
• Practical Suggestions

See below for full list of all conditions and treatments in the book. Or, download a complete Condition entry or Treatment entry for free.