Bursitis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that lubricates and cushions pressure points between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Bursae helps joints move easily. Common symptoms of bursitis include a dull ache or stiffness near the elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, big toe, or other joints; a worsening of pain with movement or pressure; swelling, warmth, and redness in the area. Common causes of bursitis include overuse, stress, and direct trauma to a joint. Bursitis can also be the result of an infection, arthritis, or gout.

Ayurvedic treatment of bursitis aims to control pain and reduce swelling and inflammation in the bursae. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, and Vish-Tinduk-Vati are used to control pain, swelling, and inflammation. Local application on the affected parts can be done with medicines like Vishgarbha oil, Mahanarayan oil and Mahasaindhav oil. Local steaming of the affected parts using decoctions like Dashmool-Qadha and Nirgundi-Qadha is also a very effective procedure to reduce pain and swelling.

For patients who do not respond to the above medications, additional treatment is required to control pain and inflammation. In such situations, medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Tapyadi-Loh and Ekang-Veer-Ras are used for long periods. If the bursitis is due to an infection, medicines like Sukshma-Triphala, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, and Gandhak-Rasayan are used to treat the infection. In some refractory patients, the local application of leeches produces dramatic relief of pain and swelling.

With proper treatment and rest, bursitis usually clears up in a couple of weeks. To prevent bursitis or its recurrence, it is advisable to engage in regular physical activity and moderate exercise to strengthen the muscles. It is important to maintain good posture, avoid prolonged and repetitive tasks, and avoid sitting in one position for long periods of time.