Elbow bursitis is an inflammation of olecranon bursa that is located at the very tip of the elbow. This condition is also called ‘’student’s’’ or ‘’miner’s’’ elbow because people with these occupations tend to spend a lot of time transferring their weight to this area of the arm. In the following text, you’ll learn about natural remedies you can use to go about elbow bursitis at home.
The start
The aforementioned olecranon bursa is a thin, slippery, fluid-filled sac that acts like a ‘’pillow’’ between your skin and the bony tip of the elbow. The inflammation takes place when the synovium (the outer membrane of the olecranon bursa) is irritated. The irritation can happen due to constant mini-traumas inflicted to the region or a more serious injury. An infection can also be the cause of elbow bursitis in which case it is also called ‘’septic bursitis’’. The treatment is not highly complicated and it could be even dealt with some natural remedies for elbow bursitis in the comfort of your home.
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Ice
Such a simple, yet a very effective way of dealing with many injuries. Just grab a towel in which you’ll wrap some ice cubes. Put this on the bursitis and hold it for 15 minutes. Take a rest after that and elevate your hand above your chest. What ice will actually do is lowering the initial swelling and will lower the temperature of the area and numb the pain. You should do this a few times a day in the next 24-48 hours after you notice the injury. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin in order to avoid frost bites.
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A warm compress can help too!
The procedure for this is pretty much similar to the one with ice. You’ll need a towel dampened in warm water (it should not be too hot!) and applied to the affected area for up to 20 minutes. This is good to relieve the stiffness and promote blood circulation to the joints. You can do this with a bottle of warm water too or a heating pad.
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A Curing and Relaxing Massage
First off, don’t do this if your elbow bursitis is caused by an infection. Otherwise, this is a common thing doctors tell you to do at home as it can promote circulation and get rid of the tension in the elbow. You should do this for ten minutes a few times a day by massaging the area gently yet firmly. For the best effect of the massage, you can use some of the super oils such as olive or coconut oil.
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Anti-inflammatory castor oil
Castor oil is made of cold pressed seeds of castor oil plant (Ricinus Communis). This is a colorless, or yellowish liquid that is one of the most highly priced oils on the market. What makes it so special is the fact that it has hydroxyl functional group that makes the oil more polar than other seed oils which also allows derivatization. But how to use it with elbow bursitis? Simply soak a wool flannel and apply it to your elbow. Wrap it up with a plastic wrap and put a bottle with warm water onthe area. Cover this all with a towel and wait for a maximum of 40 minutes. The rest of the oil can be rubbed into the skin or rinsed. In comparison to other curing ways mentioned so far, this can be repeated 4 times a week.
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Try Ginger
If you don’t really like taking medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, this is a great alternative. In order to cure your elbow bursitis with this, you can either put it on the elbow or drink it. One thing you can do is to put 3-4 tablespoons of ginger in cheesecloth and boil it for 30 sec. Then put this on the joint for ten minutes and repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day. If you like massages you can rub this into the elbow on daily basis. If you choose to take this orally, boil a tablespoon of ginger in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, strain it and add honey.
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The Almighty Apple-Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is loaded with magnesium, calcium, potassium and other minerals that recover alkalinity which reduces inflammation. Just make sure that the vinegar you’re using is of the best quality, i.e. it has to be unfiltered. You can use some clean cloth soaked in it for the application or you can mix it with raw honey in a glass of water and drink it.
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Milk of Magnesia
It has been believed that milk is good for your bones since forever. When you have ‘’milk’’ and ‘’magnesium’’ in one word, you can be sure this is a super beneficial home remedy for many joint problems, including the elbow bursitis. You can drink it twice a day in a glass of water. To enhance the effect of this natural, at-home bursitis remedy, eat some foods that are rich in magnesium such as dark leafy greens, bananas, beans, oats etc.
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