Treatment and Prevention
A mild bout of bursitis that is not caused by bacteria is usually treated with rest or a splint, ice packs, or aspirin* or other anti-inflammatory medications. Physiotherapy treatments like ultrasound may be helpful. If that doesn't work, an injection of corticosteroids mixed with local anesthetic may be tried. These medications are injected directly into the bursa.
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections usually take care of the inflammation. If corticosteroid injections don't help, the same medication might be given in pill form. It's never given to people with bacterial infection or gout.
Sometimes your doctor will draw some fluid out with a needle. Crystals may remain, but large clumps can be removed surgically or by needle.
It's vital to exercise the joint when you're recovering from bursitis. Your doctor or therapist will give you a detailed plan, depending on which joint is used and the degree of muscle atrophy. Physiotherapy and ultrasound are other types of treatment your doctor may suggest.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.