Self-Care at Home

The treatment for bursitis can be remembered with the following memory device: P-R-I-C-E-M.

• Protection includes padding especially for bursae close to the surface of the skin on the ankles and knees.
  
  
• Relative rest of the affected area if possible may help symptoms. Choose alternate types of exercise activities that eliminate painful motions. Swimming may help rather than hurt.
  
  
• Ice is a very effective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agent. Small ice packs, such as packages of frozen vegetables or water frozen in foam coffee cups, applied to the area for about 10 minutes at least twice a day may help decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Compression and Elevation are helpful when it is feasible to compress the area. An elastic bandage can be applied (especially to knees and elbows). Keep the area elevated above the heart to keep blood from pooling there.
  
  
• Medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be helpful to reduce inflammation. Consult your doctor before taking these if you are on any blood-thinning medications or have a history of stomach ulcers.

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