Treatment Overview

Living with bursitis can turn simple movements into painful ordeals. The condition involves the inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Whether it strikes the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee, the resulting stiffness and sharp pain can make daily tasks like dressing, walking, or lifting objects surprisingly difficult. Restoring comfort and mobility is the primary focus of care, allowing individuals to return to their work and hobbies without constant guarding against pain. 

Because bursitis can result from repetitive motion, sudden injury, or occasionally an infection (septic bursitis), treatment plans are not one-size-fits-all. While many cases of overuse bursitis resolve with rest and home care, more persistent or infected cases require medical intervention. The choice of therapy depends heavily on whether the bursa is infected and the severity of the inflammation (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2023). 

Overview of treatment options for Bursitis 

The main goals of treating bursitis are to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent the condition from becoming chronic. For the vast majority of cases caused by overuse or injury (aseptic bursitis), the initial approach involves the “RICE” method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation combined with anti-inflammatory medications. 

When these conservative measures fail to provide relief, or if the pain is severe, doctors move to stronger medical treatments to target the inflammation directly. If the bursa is infected, the treatment goal shifts immediately to eliminating the bacteria to prevent the infection from spreading. While physical therapy and temporary immobilization are often used alongside drugs, medications remain the primary tool for managing the acute biological process of inflammation and infection. 

Medications used for Bursitis 

Doctors utilize specific drug classes to dampen the body’s inflammatory response or fight bacterial invaders. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): This class is the standard first-line treatment for bursitis caused by injury or overuse. Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are widely used to lower pain levels and reduce swelling. Clinical experience suggests that taking these medications on a scheduled basis for a short period, rather than just when pain spikes, is often more effective at breaking the cycle of inflammation. Topical versions of these drugs (creams or gels) are also available for patients who cannot tolerate oral medication. 

Corticosteroids: For inflammation that does not respond to oral NSAIDs, doctors often utilize corticosteroids. These are typically administered as a targeted injection directly into the affected bursa. Drugs like methylprednisolone or triamcinolone provide potent, localized relief. Studies show that a corticosteroid injection can offer rapid reduction in pain and swelling, often resolving symptoms with a single treatment, though they are generally not used if infection is suspected. 

Antibiotics: If the bursitis is caused by an infection (septic bursitis), antibiotics are essential. The choice of drug depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection, with Staphylococcus aureus being a common culprit. Oral antibiotics like cephalexin or clindamycin are frequently prescribed. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be required in a hospital setting. 

How these medications work 

The medications used for bursitis target the chemical processes that cause heat, swelling, and pain. 

NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenases (COX), enzymes that produce pain- and inflammation-triggering prostaglandins. This inhibition reduces fluid and nerve sensitivity in the bursa. 

Corticosteroids mimic cortisol, acting as a powerful local immune “off switch.” They constrict blood vessels and prevent immune cell leakage into the bursa, quickly decreasing pressure and pain. 

Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria by attacking their cell walls or internal machinery, allowing the bursa to heal. 

Side effects and safety considerations 

While effective, these medications carry risks that must be managed. 

NSAIDs can cause GI irritation (heartburn, nausea, ulcers), kidney strain, and increased blood pressure, and should be taken with food. 

Corticosteroid injections are generally safe but may cause temporary blood sugar spikes or facial flushing. Frequent injections into the same joint are discouraged due to potential tendon weakening. 

Antibiotics can cause digestive upset or allergies. Finish the full course to prevent recurrence. Seek immediate medical attention for spreading redness, excessive heat, or fever, as septic bursitis can lead to a bloodstream infection. 

Since everyone’s experience with the condition and its treatments can vary, working closely with a qualified healthcare provider helps ensure safe and effective care. 

References 

  1. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org 
  1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov 
  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org 
  1. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov 

Medications for Bursitis

These are drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they have been determined to be safe and effective for use in Bursitis.

Found 6 Approved Drugs for Bursitis

MethylPREDNISolone

Brand Names
Solu-Medrol MethylPREDNISolone, Solu-Medrol, Medrol

MethylPREDNISolone

Brand Names
Solu-Medrol MethylPREDNISolone, Solu-Medrol, Medrol
Form: Injection, Tablet
Method of administration: Oral, Intravenous, Intramuscular
FDA approval date: October 24, 1957
Classification: Corticosteroid
Methylprednisolone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Nonsuppurative thyroiditis Hypercalcemia associated with cancer Rheumatic Disorders As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy) Ankylosing spondylitis Acute and subacute bursitis Synovitis of osteoarthritis Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis Post-traumatic osteoarthritis Psoriatic arthritis EpicondylitisAcute gouty arthritis Collagen Diseases During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: Systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis) Acute rheumatic carditis Dermatologic Diseases Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) Severe seborrheic dermatitis Exfoliative dermatitis Mycosis fungoides Pemphigus Severe psoriasis Allergic States Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment: Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis Drug hypersensitivity reactions Serum sickness Contact dermatitis Bronchial asthma Atopic dermatitis Ophthalmic Diseases Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: Allergic corneal marginal ulcers Herpes zoster ophthalmicus Anterior segment inflammation Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis Sympathetic ophthalmia Keratitis Optic neuritis Allergic conjunctivitis Chorioretinitis Iritis and iridocyclitis Respiratory Diseases Symptomatic sarcoidosis Berylliosis Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means Fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy Aspiration pneumonitis Hematologic Disorders Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults Secondary thrombocytopenia in adults Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia Erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia) Congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia Neoplastic Diseases For palliative management of: Leukemias and lymphomas in adults Acute leukemia of childhood Edematous States To induce a diuresis or remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome, without uremia, of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus. Gastrointestinal Diseases To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in: Ulcerative colitis Regional enteritis Nervous System Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis Miscellaneous Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy. Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement.

Kenalog

Brand Names
Lidolog, Mlk F1, Mlk F3, Pro-C-Dure 6, Pro-C-Dure 5, Bupivilog

Kenalog

Brand Names
Lidolog, Mlk F1, Mlk F3, Pro-C-Dure 6, Pro-C-Dure 5, Bupivilog
Form: Kit
Method of administration: Intra-articular, Epidural, Topical, Intramuscular, Infiltration
FDA approval date: January 16, 2014
Intramuscular Where oral therapy is not feasible, injectable corticosteroid therapy, including triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension is indicated for intramuscular use as follows: Allergic states: Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, serum sickness, transfusion reactions. Dermatologic diseases: Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative erythroderma, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Endocrine disorders: Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, nonsuppurative thyroiditis. Gastrointestinal diseases: To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis. Hematologic disorders: Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, pure red cell aplasia, selected cases of secondary thrombocytopenia. Miscellaneous: Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement, tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy. Neoplastic diseases: For the palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas. Nervous system: Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis; cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor or craniotomy. Ophthalmic diseases: Sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids. Renal diseases: To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or that due to lupus erythematosus. Respiratory diseases: Berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy, idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, symptomatic sarcoidosis. Rheumatic disorders: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis; acute rheumatic carditis; ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy). For the treatment of dermatomyositis, polymyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Intra-Articular The intra-articular or soft tissue administration of triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension is indicated as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis of osteoarthritis.

MethylPREDNISolone Acetate

Brand Names
Medroloan, Medroloan SUIK, Depo-Medrol, Dyural

MethylPREDNISolone Acetate

Brand Names
Medroloan, Medroloan SUIK, Depo-Medrol, Dyural
Form: Injection, Kit
Method of administration: Intra-articular, Intramuscular, Intrasynovial, Intralesional, Soft Tissue, Infiltration, Topical, Intrameningeal, Intra-arterial
FDA approval date: May 28, 1959
Classification: Corticosteroid
A. FOR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION When oral therapy is not feasible and the strength, dosage form, and route of administration of the drug reasonably lend the preparation to the treatment of the condition, the intramuscular use of Methylprednisolone Acetate Injectable Suspension is indicated as follows: A llergic States : Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, serum sickness, transfusion reactions. De rmatologic Diseases : Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative erythroderma, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). E ndocrine Disorders : Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, nonsuppurative thyroiditis. G astrointestinal Diseases : To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in regional enteritis (systemic therapy) and ulcerative colitis. Hem atologic Disorders : Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia (Diamond Blackfan anemia), pure red cell aplasia, select cases of secondary thrombocytopenia. M iscellaneous : Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement, tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy. Neoplastic Diseases : For palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas. Nervous System : Cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor or craniotomy. O phthalmic Diseases : Sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids. Re nal Diseases : To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, or that due to lupus erythematosus. Re spiratory Diseases : Berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy, idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, symptomatic sarcoidosis. R heumatic Disorders : As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis; acute rheumatic carditis; ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy). For the treatment of dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. B. FOR INTRA-ARTICULAR OR SOFT TISSUE ADMINISTRATION (See WARNINGS) Methylprednisolone Acetate Injectable Suspension is indicated as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis of osteoarthritis. C. FOR INTRALESIONAL ADMINISTRATION Methylprednisolone Acetate Injectable Suspension is indicated for intralesional use in alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus, keloids, localized hypertrophic, infiltrated, inflammatory lesions of granuloma annulare, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis), and psoriatic plaques, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum. Methylprednisolone Acetate Injectable Suspension also may be useful in cystic tumors of an aponeurosis or tendon (ganglia).

Multi-Specialty

Generic Name
Depo-Medrol

Multi-Specialty

Generic Name
Depo-Medrol
Form: Kit
Method of administration: Intra-articular, Infiltration, Topical, Intramuscular, Intralesional, Soft Tissue
FDA approval date: February 06, 2014
Lidocaine hydrochloride injection is indicated for production of local or regional anesthesia by infiltration techniques such as percutaneous injection and intravenous regional anesthesia by peripheral nerve block techniques such as brachial plexus and intercostal and by central neural techniques such as lumbar and caudal epidural blocks, when the accepted procedures for these techniques as described in standard textbooks are observed. A. For Intramuscular Administration When oral therapy is not feasible and the strength, dosage form, and route of administration of the drug reasonably lend the preparation to the treatment of the condition, the intramuscular use of methylprednisolone acetate injectable suspension is indicated as follows: Allergic States : Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, serum sickness, transfusion reactions. Dermatologic Diseases : Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Endocrine Disorders : Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, nonsupportive thyroiditis. Gastrointestinal Diseases : To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in regional enteritis (systemic therapy) and ulcerative colitis. Hematologic Disorders : Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia (Diamond Blackfan anemia), pure red cell aplasia, select cases of secondary thrombocytopenia. Miscellaneous : Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement, tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy. Neoplastic Diseases : For palliative management of: leukemias and lymphomas. Nervous System : Cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor or craniotomy. Ophthalmic Diseases : Sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis, ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids. Renal Diseases : To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, or that due to lupus erythematosus. Respiratory Diseases : Berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy, idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, symptomatic sarcoidosis. Rheumatic Disorders : As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis; acute rheumatic carditis; ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy). For the treatment of dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. B. For Intra-articular Or Soft Tissue Administration ( See WARNINGS ) Methylprednisolone acetate injectable suspension is indicated as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis of osteoarthritis. C. For Intralesional Administration Methylprednisolone acetate injectable suspension is indicated for intralesional use in alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus; keloids, localized hypertrophic, infiltrated inflammatory lesions of granuloma annulare, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis) and psoriatic plaques; necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum. Methylprednisolone acetate injectable suspension also may be useful in cystic tumors of an aponeurosis or tendon (ganglia). For first aid to decrease germs in minor cuts scrapes burns For preparation of the skin prior to injection.

RopivacaIne

Brand Names
Naropin, Ropidex

RopivacaIne

Brand Names
Naropin, Ropidex
Form: Injection, Kit
Method of administration: Epidural, Perineural, Infiltration, Topical, Intramuscular, Intravenous
FDA approval date: September 24, 1996
Classification: Amide Local Anesthetic
Ropivacaine hydrochloride injection is indicated for the production of local or regional anesthesia for surgery and for acute pain management. Surgical Anesthesia : epidural block for surgery including cesarean section; major nerve block; local infiltration Acute Pain Management : epidural continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, e.g., postoperative or labor; local infiltration Ropivacaine hydrochloride injection is an amide local anesthetic indicated in adults for the production of local or regional anesthesia for surgery and for acute pain management. Surgical Anesthesia : epidural block for surgery including cesarean section; major nerve block; local infiltration Acute Pain Managemen t: epidural continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, e.g., postoperative or labor; local infiltration.
Showing 1-5 of 6
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
Tired of the same old research?
Check Latest Advances