i think i may have bursitis in my left shoulder, are there any otc medicine for this? thanks?

Question

can't really afford a doctor right now.

Answer 1

Try paracetamol (acetaminophen) 1 gram 4x/day if you are of adult size/weight and able to take paracetamol (acetaminophen)

Also useful is Ibuprofen 200-400mg 3x/day with food ... again this is adult dosage and only for those able to take ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is available as a gel which you can rub on the area - this may minimize side effects

Discuss medications with your pharmacist before purchase.

Also useful would be the general treatment for soft tissue injuries:

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
(RICE)

Rest the shoulder
Ice it with a bag of peas
Compress it if it is reasonable - strapping with tape may help
Elevation - prop it up with a pillow when you sleep

You _should_ get checked out by a doctor when possible. Us doctors just LURVE checkin' you folks out! But more importantly there are some things that it might be other than bursitis and they may need different medications or different treatments.

Answer 2

Motrin, Advil, or Naproxen(Aleve)

You can take up to 800 mg of Motrin/Advil
Start with 200 mg at a time until you find the strength that gives you relief.

Naproxen/Aleve I believe comes in 200 mg pill OTC - try with the smallest dose and work your way up until you find the dosage that gives you relief- I believe you can take up to 600 ms otc

Also Ice the area when you are having a flare up. It will reduce the inflammation.
Good luck
Hope you feel better

Answer 3

It could be tendonitis, they mimic each other. I think treatment is the same. You can use anti-inflammatories like ibuprophen every day, but get therapy as soon as you can afford it. Mine went away after I had ultrasound on it.

My therapist said it also helps to have good posture. No slouching!