Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursa) the body situates in places where movement would otherwise cause friction. The most common bursa to become inflamed is in the shoulder. The cause of bursitis is mostly unknown, but trauma or arthritis may be involved.

Checklist for Bursitis

Rating	Nutritional Supplements	Herbs
	Vitamin B12	Boswellia Cayenne Turmeric Willow
See also: Homeopathic Remedies for Bursitis
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

What are the symptoms of bursitis? Acute bursitis causes pain, tenderness over the inflamed bursa, and limited range of motion. Chronic bursitis attacks may follow acute bursitis, unusual exercise, or strain. Attacks may last a few days to several weeks and are characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness.

How is it treated? For non-infected, acute bursitis, temporary rest, immobilization (i.e., splinting), and high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are standard. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), naproxen (e.g., Aleve®, Naprosyn®), and others. When rest alone is inadequate to relieve pain, injections of local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine) may be used. Narcotic pain-relievers are also used. Chronic bursitis is treated similarly, but splinting and rest are less likely to be helpful. Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: In a preliminary study, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12¹ ² relieved the symptoms of acute subdeltoid (shoulder) bursitis and also decreased the amount of calcification in some cases. This mechanism is not understood. Oral B vitamins are unlikely to have the same effect, since the body’s absorption of vitamin B12 is quite limited. A doctor should be consulted regarding B12 or B12/niacin injections.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

Herbs that may be helpful: While there have been few studies on herbal therapy for bursitis, most practitioners would consider using anti-inflammatory herbs that have proven useful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These would include boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical cayenne ointment.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.

References:

1. Klemes IS. Vitamin B12 in acute subdeltoid bursitis. Indust Med Surg 1957;26:290–2.

2. Kellman M. Bursitis: a new chemotherapeutic approach. J Am Osteopathic Assoc 1962;61:896–903.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.