What helps?
Normally, a bursitis heals on its own after a few weeks. Nevertheless, some aids can provide relief. In general: Cooling before heat.
Heat treatment should not be used in case of bursitis. Cold, on the other hand, can improve the pain, for example by putting on cooling packs. These should be wrapped in a tea towel or similar beforehand, otherwise they are too cold and can lead to frostbite.
There are also cooling ointments that can also help to relieve the pain. Immobilization: Splints and bandages can be purchased at the pharmacy to immobilize the joint temporarily. However, this should not be the case permanently, as targeted movements, for example during physiotherapy, promote faster healing of the inflammation and maintain mobility.
Otherwise, this may result in functional impairment. Household remedies: Quark compresses have proven to be the most effective household remedy for bursitis. Quark cools, has an anti-inflammatory effect and relieves pain.
The cooled quark is placed on a tea towel and spread out a little so that the layer is about half a centimeter thick. Then the cloth is wrapped and placed on the elbow with the curd side on the elbow. The whole process can be repeated several times a day for about half an hour to three quarters of an hour (until the curd is warm).
Envelopes with linseed can also provide relief. Boil the linseed until it begins to become slimy. After it has cooled down, it can be applied to a cotton cloth and wrapped around the aching elbow.
It is best to apply this wrap in the evening so that it can work overnight. Temporary immobilization of the elbow is recommended in any case, but the joint should be mobilized again early so that its functionality is not permanently impaired. Homeopathy: Potassium chloratum can be used in homeopathy to treat bursitis.
This is a preparation of the alkali metal potassium chloride. It is available as Schüssler salt No. 4 or in the form of globules of different potency.
It is recommended to take potassium chloratum in the potency D4, D6 or D12 three times a day á five globules. In case of acute complaints the preparation can also be taken every two hours. However, this should only be done until the symptoms improve.
A higher dosage is not advisable in self-medication. Potassium chloratum is also available as an ointment of Schüssler Salt No. 4 and can be applied directly to the inflamed area.
However, if the symptoms persist or become more severe, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification. Ointment: Some ointments can also relieve the symptoms. Cooling ointments alleviate the pain, ointments with anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the inflammation.
There are various suitable preparations, such as ointments with diclofenac (Voltaren gel), acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen. However, if the pain persists or increases, self-medication should be avoided and a doctor should be consulted for clarification, who will then decide on further therapy. Sports: Particularly during sporting activities, which require a strong strain on the elbow, an inflammation of the bursa can occur.
Sports where this occurs more frequently include golf, tennis, baseball and handball. In the case of acute bursitis, the primary aim should be to avoid more strenuous activities.The therapy is initially carried out by immobilising the elbow and pain-relieving medication. After the acute symptoms have subsided, however, it is recommended to maintain mobility in the affected joint with targeted mobilization, e.g. by instruction from a physiotherapist.
For this reason, physicians often prescribe physiotherapy for bursitis. This might also be of interest to you: How long does my bursitis last? The therapeutic procedure promises good chances of recovery, but recurring complaints (recurrences) due to newly formed bursae can occur.
The olecranon is the back (dorsal) part of the ulna and forms the bony prominence at the back of the transition from the upper arm to the forearm. Since the bone lies close to the surface of the skin and is hardly protected by subcutaneous (i.e. under the skin) fatty tissue, it is – like many other such bone protrusions in the body – protected to a certain extent by a bursa against external influences and overloading.
