6 Natural Supplements to Help Fix Bursitis and Housemaid’s Knee

Housemaid’s Knee

Bursitis is a condition that can affect most of the joints in our bodies. When it occurs in the knee, it is frequently referred to as Housemaids knee. There are many different reasons why it can be caused, but it can be caused due to strain from activities things such as housework, gardening and praying put on the knees. It often affects workers who kneel for prolonged periods in their work, such as carpet layers and plumbers. It can also be linked poor circulation, known as “Water on the Knee”.

Prescription and over the counter drugs for treating Housemaid’s Knee

Please be aware that almost all painkillers carry some degree of health risk if they are used for long periods of time. NSAIDS (Non steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs) have been linked to hearing loss and Tinnitus. Ironically, they can also cause headaches if used regularly. These pain killers typically also reduce lung capacity so are best avoided if you are an athlete or suffer from Asthma.

· Ibuprofen. This is a powerful pain killer that is better known by its trade names such as Nurofen. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and reduces the inflammation of the Bursa or fluid sac within the knee.

· Co-Codamol. Two extremely commonly used pain-killers are Paracetomol and Codeine. Co-Codamol is simply a combination of these two pain killers, and is used to repress pain. The strength of the preparation is determined by the amount of Codeine used, and there are many different strengths available. However, there are side-effects, often feeling sick, constipation and dry mouths are experienced.

· Paracetamol. Paracetamol is also known as Acetaminophen. It is one of the most commonly used drugs, and provides pain relief for adults and children alike. It actually works in an extremely similar way to aspirin. However, increasing the dose will not increase the pain relief, and does not reduce inflammation in treating Housemaid’s Knee. The recommended dose for adults is two 500mg tablets. It is easy to access, but an overdose could be life-threatening, and will cause liver damage.

· Codeine Phosphate. Codeine phosphate is a less popular painkiller, which has three sizes- 15mg, 30mg and 60mg. The usual side effects from taking it are rash’s and itchy skin, difficulty with breathing, redness, sweating more often the normal, feeling sick and many others. There are many side-effects to this pain-killer.

· Naproxen. Naproxen is usually used for reducing inflammation, in many conditions, not only knee pain. There are some side-effects, which include headaches, feeling drowsy, and heartburn, amongst others.

· Combination Products. There are many stronger over the counter prescriptions which mix various pain killers as well as other synergistic substances such as Caffeine. These help to increase the pain killing effect.

6 Natural approaches to treat Housemaids Knee.

· Everflex cream. This is a commercial cream that is rubbed into the knee and mainly uses MSM, a natural substance as a pain killer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this can be effective.

· Glucosamine. This is a Glyconutrient that occurs naturally found in our diets. However, it is often lacking in fast foods. Indeed as we get older, we need to get more of this to protect our joints and many other processes. It is one of a number of substances that form our joints. Many studies in the 1980’s show that it can be very effective for joint problems. The most potent form is Shark Cartilage.

· Chondroitin Sulfate. This helps increase the amount of water help in the tissues of our joints helping them to act more effectively as shock absorbers. It works very well with Glucosamine. It also occurs in Shark Cartilage making this a very simple and effect treatment.

· Devils Claw- It is a natural pain killer and often seems to work where drugs fail. However, it cam upset the linings of your stomach.

· MSM. Is a form of sulphur and it one of the main ingredients of your joints. It helps to rebuild joints, reduce inflammation and is a pain killer.

· Turmeric. Yes, that’s right, curry powder!Turmeric has been widely researched and shown for thousands of years to help reduce inflammation without many side effects. As with any curry, too much will have predictable effects……

· White Willow Bark. Effectively, a form of Aspirin. Its active ingredient is salicin, and it is extremely good for easing discomfort.

Many of these work together synergistically. For instance, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM seem to work much better in combination. If your Bursitis is not too severe, it seems to be well worth trying a natural remedy, as pharmaceutical drugs can have extremely unpleasant side-effects.

Source by Steve Butler