Managing Arthritis and Bursitis at Home
To some people, arthritis and bursitis may be taken interchangeably; although these conditions pertain to illness of the joints, they are actually two different health conditions. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints which is often associated with the degeneration of the connective tissue and bone. Bursitis on the other hand is the inflammation of the bursa which is a sac-like cavity which surrounds joints; this sac is naturally filled with joint fluid which significantly reduces friction as the joint is moved.
Location of the inflammation is also different with arthritis and bursitis. Arthritis is common in the hips and knees which are considered the weight-bearing joints of the human body. Bursitis is often in the shoulders, hips, elbows and also on the joints of the big toe. Causes for the inflammation are also different with arthritis and bursitis. Arthritis is often caused by old age; cartilages and connective tissues wear and may tear easily due to age and may lead to bone degeneration. Arthritis may also be caused by autoimmune disorders like in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Bursitis on the other hand may be caused by infection of the joints, direct physical trauma on the joint itself, stress on the muscle and joint or as the effect of arthritis.
Treatment for arthritis and bursitis however, are basically the same. When you are diagnosed with these joint conditions, your doctor would usually prescribe pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. Managing arthritis and bursitis will also be needed at home; here are some practical things you can do:
Pain may be relieved by OTC medications or follow your doctor’s prescription for stronger pain relievers. Try placing cold compresses or ice packs on the area the day of the injury. Do not place added pressure on the site. You may ice the area as often as possible to reduce pain and inflammation.
Avoid any activity that has triggered arthritis and bursitis. Take a day off from activities that can aggravate the situation.
Rest the area affected while monitoring your pain and range of movement.
As soon as you recover from the pain, try moving the affected joint gradually. After a day, try moving or exercising the joint in a sink with warm running water or in a warm shower.
Exercise gradually after recovery. Do not overexert yourself; try adding more movement for your joints one day at a time. Try swimming or just simply playing in the pool to exercise joints and muscles.
Manage your weight by sticking on a diet with limited calories. You can talk to a dietician if you are overweight since excess weight bears down on joints making them more painful and prone to infection.
Use stretch gloves on hands or elastic bandages on affected joints. This can create warmth making joints feel better and easily reduce pain and aches. Be sure to snuggly wrap bandages on joints and not to wrap them too tightly. Use warm thick blankets at night to help soothe painful joints and muscles.
Location of the inflammation is also different with arthritis and bursitis. Arthritis is common in the hips and knees which are considered the weight-bearing joints of the human body. Bursitis is often in the shoulders, hips, elbows and also on the joints of the big toe. Causes for the inflammation are also different with arthritis and bursitis. Arthritis is often caused by old age; cartilages and connective tissues wear and may tear easily due to age and may lead to bone degeneration. Arthritis may also be caused by autoimmune disorders like in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Bursitis on the other hand may be caused by infection of the joints, direct physical trauma on the joint itself, stress on the muscle and joint or as the effect of arthritis.
Treatment for arthritis and bursitis however, are basically the same. When you are diagnosed with these joint conditions, your doctor would usually prescribe pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. Managing arthritis and bursitis will also be needed at home; here are some practical things you can do:
Pain may be relieved by OTC medications or follow your doctor’s prescription for stronger pain relievers. Try placing cold compresses or ice packs on the area the day of the injury. Do not place added pressure on the site. You may ice the area as often as possible to reduce pain and inflammation.
Avoid any activity that has triggered arthritis and bursitis. Take a day off from activities that can aggravate the situation.
Rest the area affected while monitoring your pain and range of movement.
As soon as you recover from the pain, try moving the affected joint gradually. After a day, try moving or exercising the joint in a sink with warm running water or in a warm shower.
Exercise gradually after recovery. Do not overexert yourself; try adding more movement for your joints one day at a time. Try swimming or just simply playing in the pool to exercise joints and muscles.
Manage your weight by sticking on a diet with limited calories. You can talk to a dietician if you are overweight since excess weight bears down on joints making them more painful and prone to infection.
Use stretch gloves on hands or elastic bandages on affected joints. This can create warmth making joints feel better and easily reduce pain and aches. Be sure to snuggly wrap bandages on joints and not to wrap them too tightly. Use warm thick blankets at night to help soothe painful joints and muscles.