Relieve Bursitis Pain at Night - Solutions to Offer Relief from Bursitis
Description of Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition associated with pain in locations like the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, heel, and the base of the big toe due to the inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is the small fluid-filled pad that serves as a cushion in the bones, tendons, and other soft tissues around the joints.
Bursae are located all over the body, but one of the most frequently affected is the bony point of the hip called the greater trochanter. The fairly large bursa in the trochanter makes it prone to irritation. This type, which is one of the most common forms of bursitis, is called the hip bursitis or trochanteric bursitis.
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of bursitis is pain. In the case of hip bursitis, the pain in the early stages is normally described as intense and sharp. It later extends to more areas and feels achy as it spreads out. However, one of the most common complaints is intense bursitis pain at night, affecting one’s sleeping habits.
Treatment
To provide relief during painful attacks at night, it is recommended that one should rest on the unaffected side. It is also advised to sleep on the back. Placing pillows between the knees when lying on one side can also help reduce the pain.
Applying ice for 20 minutes to the affected area three times a day can also help reduce the inflammation and provide pain relief. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also alleviate the pain. For severe cases where these NSAIDs are not able to provide relief, doctors normally recommend stronger medications such as corticosteroid injections directly to the bursa.
Physical therapists can also help the situation with treatments involving massage and ultrasound technology to increase blood circulation to the affected area. Some doctors also recommend that fluids need to be drained from the hip. By removing the extra fluid, bursitis can heal faster. The fluid can also be analyzed for a possible infection. The results of the laboratory tests can guide the physician with the appropriate treatment plan.
Physicians may also recommend that overweight patients lose weight. Losing weight can decrease the pressure on the hips, and this can help reduce the pain significantly.
Prevention of Pain at Night
With the many facets of treatment for bursitis, one of the important remedies to prevent pain at night is to choose the mattresses carefully. It is essential to prevent pressure on the inflamed bursa while sleeping. Poor mattresses place an undesirable pressure on the affected bursa, and this can impede the healing process. This can also trigger painful attacks at night.
Dr. Brad Lustick, a chiropractic physician, recommends helpful sleep solutions such as leg pillows and pillows between the knees. Memory foam mattresses or memory foam overlay for firm mattresses can also provide the necessary support and relieve the pressure points.
Conclusion
Bursitis is a complicated disease but can be easily remedied with some helpful solutions. To provide relief for bursitis pain at night, one needs to have a supportive mattress and a pillow between the legs. These remedies can relieve the affected area from unnecessary pressures. Functional care involving NSAIDs and other medications, physical therapy, and proper nutrition should also be implemented to prevent the recurrence of pain.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bursitis/DS00032
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00409
https://www.wellsphere.com/back-neck-pain-article/sleeping-with-hip-pain-and-bursitis/863318
