Inflammation of the little pads (bursae) around joints which allow bones and tendons to move over or under each other without friction, usually brought on by injury or constant pressure; inflamed bursae fill with fluid, causing swelling and tenderness. Best known example of condition is housemaid's knee. Condition usually clears up of its own accord within a week or two, provided pressure is kept off joint, but if it persists, see your medical doctor; he or she may drain off fluid, then bandage joint, or prescribe steroid injections. If condition recurs, removal of offending bursa is a minor surgical procedure.
Specific remedies to be taken 4 times daily for up to 7 days
- Burning, stinging pain made worse by heat Apis 30c
- Tearing pain, joint stiff and swollen, made worse by rest and cold damp weather, alleviated by heat and gentle exercise Rhus tox. 6c
- Dragging pain and tightness over bursa, discomfort worse when affected limb is allowed to hang, general chilliness Pulsatilla 6c
- Shooting pains Sticta 6c
- Pains much worse at night Kali iod. 6c
- Pain made worse by heat or slightest movement Bryonia 30c
- Pain made worse by slightest jarring, joint red, hot, swollen, and throbbing Belladonna 30c
- Housemaid's knee, pain in thigh when knee is straightened, or a joint which feels bruised and weak Ruta 6c
Self-help: Rest the affected joint as much as possible and avoid putting pressure on it. Hot or cold compresses can help to disperse swelling. |
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