Ankle problem

[Ohiogal]

I need suggestions on how to get rid of a case of bursitis in my left ankle.
The joint is damaged and has become stiffer with age and now its to the point where it hurts me every waking moment. I don't take anything for the pain or inflammation.
I want a natural solution to it, if possible.
Since I do have some osteo-arthritis in it, what can I apply topically to help with the swelling and the pain?
The only solution the podiatrist recommended was large doses of NSAID's and a shot of cortisone. I sure don't want to do the cortisone!

[madness]

Oh boy. When my dad got bursitis in his elbow, the doc told him to bandage the arm to his body so he couldn't move it for 2 weeks. Guess that probably doesn't work out with your ankle unless you want to sit on the couch for weeks on end!

All I can think of for topical remedies are hot herbal soaks. I'm at work, so I don't have any books here, but I know there's some herbs that help with swelling. Hopefully someone else will chime in!

[blue gecko]

You could try some arnica gel and maybe some contrast therapy where you apply heat for 20 minutes then cold for 20 minutes let it rest for 20 minutes and repeat. Always end with the cold pack.

You might also try epsom salt foot soaks or moist packs.

There is another therapy that might relieve some of the pressure. I'll try to describe it but if I'm not clear let me know and I'll try again. Find the sorest point and put your finger right on it and press moderately hard. Now ease up but not enough to stop all pressure then press in again. Do this several times and you should feel the pain ease. This gently pumping action helps equalize the pressure in the bursa and thus reduces the inflamation.

I make an anti-inflamatory tonic for my own personal use that consists of 1/3 burdock powder, 1/3 noni powder and 1/3 beetroot powder mixed in 8 oz unfiltered apple juice, 1 oz aloe vera juice and 8 oz water.

I buy the powders in bulk 1# from herbalcom.com and mix them together. For the tonic I use a scant teaspoon of the mixed powders and dissolve them in a little warm water before adding the rest of the ingredients. I developed the recipe specifically to help with my own inflamation problems and I'm quite pleased with the results.

You could also see a massage therapist that incorporates reflexology and Myofacial release in their practice.

Hope this gives you some ideas. B