| Description | | | | Nutrition and Supplementation |
| A bursa is a sac-like membrane filled with synovial | | | | When treating bursitis, consier the following daily |
| fluid that acts as a cushion between the bone and | | | | supplemental gmdelmes: |
| fibrous tissues of the muscles and tendons. It | | | | Most Importantvitamin A (50,000 IU for 2 weeks, |
| makes movement of joints easy by limiting | | | | then 5000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU if you are |
| friction. There are 156 bursae in the body-bursitis | | | | pregnant)-aids in tissue repair and promotes |
| results when one of them becomes inflamed. It | | | | immune functionvitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 |
| occurs most commonly in the shoulder. | | | | to 8000 mg in divided doses)-reduces nflammation |
| Bursitis is a repetitive motion injury, meaning that | | | | and is essential to collagen formationvitamin E |
| it is generally associated with overuse of a given | | | | (400 IU) a free radical scavengercalcium (1500 |
| joint. Thus, any motion that is repeated many | | | | mg)magnesium (750 mg)zinc (40 mg, not to |
| times a day-such as swinging a tennis racquet, | | | | exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)- |
| throwing a baseball, playing an instrument, using a | | | | important to tissue repaircopper (3 mg)-to balance |
| computer, or cutting haircan cause bursitis. On the | | | | the zinc |
| other hand, there are cases where there seems | | | | Also Recommendedvitamin B complex (100 mg |
| to be no definable cause. | | | | twice daily)-important to cellular repair, |
| Signs and Symptoms | | | | supplemented with vitamin B12 (as prescribed by |
| Pain and swelling in a joint | | | | doctor)-necessary for proper digestion, absorption |
| Stiffness in the affected joint | | | | of foods, and the repair of nerve damage (most |
| Pain with movement of joint | | | | effective if taken by injection; otherwise, use |
| Conventional Medical Treatment | | | | lozenge form)sea cucumber (take as directed on |
| Bursitis can disappear within 2 weeks if the joint is | | | | label)-replenishes the lubricants needed for |
| given absolute rest. During this "time off," RICE | | | | connective tissues and jointsbromelain (take as |
| therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is | | | | directed on label)-inflammation-fighting |
| recommended, and many sufferers wear special | | | | enzymehydrolyzed collagen (take as directed on |
| braces or wraps to keep the area immobilized. | | | | label)-important for joint tissue |
| Aspirin can be used to keep inflammation in check. | | | | rebuildingglucosamine sulfate (take as directed on |
| Some physicians inject cortisone into the affected | | | | label)-aids in healing |
| joint. | | | | (For an acute condition, take supplements until |
| In extremely severe cases, surgery may be | | | | your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, |
| performed to remove the inflamed bursa. | | | | seek the advice of your health care provider. For |
| Unfortunately, this results in limited motion. | | | | a chronic condition, consult your healthcare |
| Complementary and Alternative Treatments | | | | provider regarding the duration of treatment. |