Bursitis question

[TRAILRIDER]

Does anyone here have experience with bursitis, especially in the heel and ankle area? All I've heard makes it seem imposible to cure. I'm on my feet all day and work on my farm the rest of the time. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, mary.

[madness]

Ugh. My dad got bursitis in his elbow really bad. The doc basically said "don't use it". It took forever to heal and he had a few flare ups for probably a year or so. I think he still occasionally has issues with it.

I can't imagine it on your heel! I'm so sorry, that's gotta suck!

[Tiempo]

I've had it following injuries, time has taken care of it if I've been able to rest enough.

[sidepasser]

Originally Posted by TRAILRIDER

Does anyone here have experience with bursitis, especially in the heel and ankle area? All I've heard makes it seem imposible to cure. I'm on my feet all day and work on my farm the rest of the time. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, mary.

Nope, mine is in my elbows..sigh..hurts like the dickens, especially in cold weather. I wear a "hot patch" over both elbows in the winter, seems to help.

[fishhead]

I used to have it in my elbows. In the spring when I had to rake the resort my elbows would ache so bad they kept me awake. They bothered me every fall until I started training karate.

It might help to stretch regularly. I've found that most of my joint pain comes from losing flexibility as I age. I even found that my tendonitis was the result of not keeping my forearms stretched. A simple stretch fixed what $1,000 worth of PT couldn't and prevents it from coming back. Keeping muscle tone helps too.

You might try Celadron. Or maybe heat followed by ice in the evening if you have time before bed.

[foxtrapper]

Shoes, shoes shoes. Beware cheap shoes, poorly fitting shoes, etc. You, more than most, need very good shoes.

[TheMrs]

I developed bursitis in my knee this summer. I try to avoid doctor's visits, but this was so bad that I finally had to give in and go. I was given a prescription to help with inflammation and told to stay off of it for several days. I also read online that bursitis of the knee is most common in overweight women. That information combined with the intense pain was enough to get me to change my eating habits. I have since lost 43 pounds and haven't had anymore trouble out of my knee. I don't know if you are overweight or even if bursitis in the heel/ankle is related to weight, but losing weight really helped mine in my knee.

[bergere]

I have bursitis, in my hips after that accident almost 3 years ago.

Was told it would go away on its own and there is nothing they can do about it where it is. Still waiting for it to go away.

Were you have it, I would get good quality shoes with a fitted insert, that might help you a lot.

[retire2$]

Yes, I have it in my shoulder. I went to the doctor (orthopedic surgeon) last month after having the pain for at least 5 weeks. Doctor said it could take 6 months for the pain to go away. He gave me a cortisone shot and a perscription for Voltaren (75 mg). The generic name is Diclofenac. The generic cost 4 dollars at Walmart for a 1 month supply taking the pill 2 times daily. The symptons, cause, and treatment as he told me are the same as what was listed on the internet

He told me to return after 1 month for a follow-up. I did not return because the shot helped a lot and I didn't think he would give me another shot based on the intensity of the pain at this time.

[Humburger]

My Dad had bursitis in his shoulder when I was in high school and he had me stretch it and work it with him on the floor every morning and every night. It caused him severe pain and at first I didn't want to do it, because he yelled so much. But, he said to keep it up and it went away in less than six months. It has never returned.

[TRAILRIDER]

all good advice as usual. Good shoes (I do try, fallen arches etc. ouch!) lose weight, I can do. Rest....is not likely Getting old stinks. Everything hurts, every day. Oh well. Thanks, everyone.

[fishhead]

As we age we lose flexibility and muscle tone. Both of those make our joints work better and prevent pain. They can be regained.

[mommagoose_99]

Hi. Sorry you are in pain. I have plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. After a hard fall ,my right elbow is killing me, burning sensation and loss of mobility. Doctor says it will be better in time. The tendonitis in the heel will improve with stretches and good shoes with arch supports but it may take up to 6 months to go away all together. I replace my shoes every six months. I got a little lax this fall and I am paying the price now. Take two Aleve every day, if you can and replace your shoes. Get good arch supports and tell me how you are doing in a couple of months.
Linda- not a doctor but I play one on HT
LOL

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

I have it in my shoulder and over some damaged ribs. Why it comes and why it goes are frequently a mystery to me. I don't think it ever goes away totally.

[stormwalker]

I agree with the idea of getting the best footwear you can afford.

You also might want to try some ginger capsules.
Since I've started taking them, my consumption of ibuprofen has dropped radically.
My pain level is way down.

[dinahmare]

I had bursitis in my shoulder a few years ago. Didn't want to go the cortisone route and ended up with a naturepathic doctor who treated me with acupuncture and some PT. It worked for me. They also encouraged me to do some strength training. Last year I had a small accident and stopped my exercise classes and sure enough, it flared up in my neck this time. Back for same treatment and I'm so much better. I was very fortunate that the acupuncture was covered by my health insurance. So now, its back to the exercise classes. Also, having the correct shoes is also critical to being aligned correctly. I hope you find a solution that works for you soon! Best of luck.

[Ravenlost]

I've had it in my shoulder, elbow, knee and have chronic bursitis (it never completely goes away) in my right hip.

The cortisone shots definitely help, but don't last long enough for me. For the shoulder the doctor printed off a page of exercises to do and I found it was less painful to do them while taking a hot shower. He also sent me for PT, but it didn't do much good...some, but not enough to make me want to go into town three days a week!

One thing he did tell me about my shoulder was to NOT stop using it. He said if I did that the shoulder could "freeze" and he would have to "break" it loose...said that was NOT something I would enjoy having him do!

The last time I saw him back in August he gave me two cortisone shots in my hip and a prescription for Napralen. The Naprelan (anti-inflammatory) really helps a lot. My prescription is for 2 375 mg tablets a day, but I do well on one a day.