Bursitis Treatment & Prevention Options

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Conditions & Diseases: Bones, Muscles & Joints

Bursitis

Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Bursitits include:

Self Care: A self care management approach involves PRICEM which is an acronym that includes:

Protection: The patient may protect the bursae that are close to the skin by padding.

Rest: The affected body part must be given rest until the symptoms improve and avoid any activities that cause additional pain.

Ice: Ice packs can be effectively used in reducing the symptoms of inflammation and pain.

Compression: Affected joints can be compressed by using elastic bandage or dressing to relieve of pain.

Elevation: Elevating the affected body part above the level of heart would stop the blood from collecting in the bursae and help reduces inflammation.

Medication: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or over the counter painkiller drugs such as ibuprofen can be effective in relieving the pain and reducing inflammation.

Steroids: If symptoms are severe and do not respond to treatment, steroids such as hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, betamethasone and dexamethasone may be used to treat bursitis.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy includes stretching or strengthening exercises, soft tissue manipulation and modalities such as ultrasound.

Aspiration: Repeated aspiration (removal of bursal fluid with the help of a needle) helps reduce the amount of inflamed fluid.

Surgery: Surgery involves removal of the infected bursal sac and surgical drainage of the bursal fluid.

Antibiotics: Once bursitis is confirmed, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infected bursae (4) & (10).

Prevention Methods

Some of the preventive methods include:

Stretching of muscles: Warm up or stretching before physical activity.
Strengthening of muscles: Strengthening of muscles can help protect the joints.
Repititive Tasks: Avoiding or taking break from repetitive tasks.
Cushioning of joints and avoiding kneeling on hard surface can prevent bursitis.
Avoid sitting in one position for prolonged periods.
Avoid leaning on elbows (6).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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