Shoulder joint soreness and swelling may be caused by bursitis,
an arthritis-like condition. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care
steps may help to stop the pain and improve your range of motion:
Try an OTC remedy
Relieve pain and inflammation with over-the-counter medications,
such as aspirin (Genuine Bayer, Ecotrin, Bufferin), naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin
IB, Advil), methyl salicylate (Icy Hot, Ben Gay), trolamine salicylate (Aspercreme), and
combination products (Maximum Strength Flexall 454)
Uncover the cause
Work with a knowledgeable health professional to find out what is
causing your bursitis and to determine effective treatments
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace
the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full bursitis article for more
in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and
lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
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About
Product ratings
Symptoms
Vitamins
Herbs
References
About bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of one or more bursa (fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction
around joints).
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.
Product ratings for
bursitis
Science Ratings
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. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
What are the symptoms?
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.
Vitamins that may be helpful
In a preliminary study, intramuscular injections of vitamin B1212 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 (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
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 June 2009.
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Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.