Consuming fish oil that contains omega-3 fatty acids can lower your risk for heart disease. However, there are many other conditions that fish oil can help as well. This includes diabetes, Alzheimer's and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis. Fish oil is not appropriate for all patients, so before using it for bursitis, talk with a health care provider.
Bursitis
Some of the joints in your body contain fluid-filled sacs called bursa that help to lubricate and cushion the joint. Bursitis is diagnosed when one or more of these sacs becomes inflamed and the joints most commonly affected include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Bursitis can occur alongside other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, or it can be from an injury caused by overusing a joint. When the bursa sacs become inflamed, symptoms such as pain, stiffness, redness, warmth and swelling can develop. The goal of bursitis treatment is to identify the underlying cause and to reduce inflammation. Treatment may require rest, ice, compression and medications, says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. If left untreated, bursitis can become chronic.
Benefits
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of fish oil, it appears that fish oil contains chemicals that help to reduce inflammation. For those with bursitis, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids two or three times a day, through fish oils or flax seed oil. This amount may reduce the amount of inflammatory chemicals your body and help to ease bursitis symptoms. However, a physician should be consulted first, as fish oil and flax seed oil, may interact with other medications, including blood thinners.
Sources
To help manage bursitis, fish oil or flax seed oil supplements may be taken or you can obtain omega-3 fatty acids from foods. The Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Today magazine, suggests consuming two servings a week of cold-water, fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, sardines and herring. This amount can help to decrease joint inflammation and stiffness. Some patients with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis, may be able to reduce or discontinue their intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, by adding omega-3 fatty acids into the diet. A 4 oz. serving of these types of fish can provide between 50 to 2,200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, with mackerel and salmon at the higher end. For those that do not consume fish, 1 tbsp. of flax seed oil contains 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids.
Considerations
Bursitis can return if steps are not taken to protect the affected joint. Taking omega-3 fatty acids alone is not enough. If bursitis was caused by overuse, it is important to learn to how to use the joint during work and hobbies to avoid aggravating the condition. A well-designed strength training and stretching program must be followed for life, to take pressure off the painful joint. In some cases, bursitis can be caused by an infection that requires treatment with antibiotics.
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