Bursitis is the painful swelling of a bursae, or fluid-filled sac, that reduces friction between your bones and your muscles, tendons and ligaments. The Family Doctor website states that bursitis may be acute or chronic and that it can develop in your hips, shoulders, knees and elbows. Herbal medicine may help combat your hip bursitis, but before using herbs, talk with your doctor about the potential merits and drawbacks of herbal remedies.
Hip Bursitis
According to the Family Doctor website, there are many possible causes of hip bursitis, including repetitive stress on your hip joint structures, hip trauma, scoliosis and other structural abnormalities of your skeleton, and health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, bacterial infections and diabetes. Signs and symptoms of hip bursitis include sharp or achy pain, tenderness, warmth and swelling in your affected joint or joints. Over time, hip bursitis may lead to reduced hip range of motion and weakened muscles.
Effective Herbal Medicines
Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that hip bursitis, also known as trochanteric bursitis, is often associated with continual physical activity, standing for prolonged periods or hip displacement. In most cases, an aching pain that radiates down your leg accompanies hip bursitis. Balch notes that certain herbal medicines may be effective in treating your hip bursitis, including boswellia, meadowsweet, willow bark and bromelain. These herbs help treat pain and inflammation.
Willow Bark
Willow bark is a popular herb in the treatment of hip bursitis. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that willow bark contains active constituents that have been used to reduce inflammation and pain and help treat conditions such as fever, headaches, myalgia and influenza. Willow bark may also treat lower back pain, acute injuries and tooth pain. Dr. William Mitchell, Jr., a naturopath and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that willow bark contains salicylates and other anti-inflammatory properties.
Disclaimer
Herbs alone may not be enough to resolve your hip bursitis. In most cases, a multifaceted treatment approach offers the greatest likelihood of a cure for your health complaint. Herbs, although largely safe and effective, may cause undesirable side effects in some people, especially if they are not taken in accordance with directions provided by your health care provider. A physician trained in herbal medicine can provide all the herb-related information you need to make informed decisions about your health.
References
- Family Doctor: Bursitis of the Hip
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Willow Bark
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
Member Comments