| |  | | Bursitis and Tendinitis
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Kevin
Posted on: July 17, 2002
I bursitis and tendinitis. What do you suggest? I play in a Summer league ball team and throwing the ball is quite painful. I generally load up on about 1000 mg. of Ibuprofen but I would like to try the herbal approach.
Burstitis is inflammation of the bursa, fluid filled sacs between the bones. Tendinitis, inflammation of a tendon, is often involved. Symptoms of inflammation are swelling, pain, redness and heat.
To avoid more serious joint problems in the future, it is important to treat this, rather than just masking the pain. With rest, healing usually occurs naturally within two weeks for bursitis or tendinitis caused by repetitive stress to a joint.
Natural treatment includes a balanced diet that is rich in healing vitamins A, C and E: citrus fruit, red and orange vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Meat and dairy products contribute to the inflammatory process. Supplementation of vitamin C with bioflavonoids (1000 mg four times daily) helps to speed healing and reduce inflammation. Glucosamine sulfate helps to reduce pain and inflammation and heal joint damage. Omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, freshly ground flax seed or flax seed oil, are anti-inflammatory.
Herbs used to help heal bursitis and tendinitis include turmeric, a good anti-inflammatory; prickly ash bark, which improves circulation of the healing blood supply to peripheral areas; and white willow bark, with its anti-inflammatory and pain killing actions. Nettle tea provides essential healing minerals and promotes blood circulation. Externally, a comfrey cream or salve can speed healing.
Calcium deposits can contribute to chronic bursitis. Dairy products can contribute to calcium deposits, due to their high calcium content, and low content of the minerals necessary for calcium absorption.
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