Bursitis can often be treated at home using natural remedies. Among them:
RICE Method
This method, also commonly used for treating sprains and strains, is a common way to treat bursitis symptoms. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. In the first 24 to 48 hours after symptom onset, rest the injured joint and avoid any activities that may aggravate bursitis further. You can use a sling or crutches if necessary to rest the injured body part.
In the first 48 hours after symptom onset, you should ice the affected joint for approximately 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for a period of one hour, twice a day. You can use ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables but should never ice the injured joint for more than 20 minutes because you will not aid in healing and may cause tissue damage.
If you develop chronic bursitis, alternate ice packs and moist heat on the affected joint. One easy way to get moist heat for your affected joint is by using a disposable baby diaper, moistened and then heated in the microwave (be careful not to overheat to avoid burns!). This diaper then can be wrapped and secured around the joints and is reusable.
Compression may help ease the pain and discomfort of bursitis and may keep you from further aggravating the affected bursa. Using an Ace bandage, wrap the affected area by overlapping the bandage and making sure that it is snug without cutting off circulation to the affected area.
If bursitis has affected an extremity, elevation may help ease the pain and swelling that can accompany symptoms.