Bursitis Medications
There are a number of medications that can be used to treat bursitis. (8)
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen are typically the first line of treatment for bursitis. These medications help to reduce inflammation and pain. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and celecoxib (Celebrex). Talk to your doctor if you think you may have bursitis and would like to try NSAIDs as a treatment. If NSAIDs do not provide relief, corticosteroid injections may be given to help reduce inflammation.
Ointments
Those who don’t find relief from NSAID medications, there is another option: topical painkiller ointment.
Topical painkiller ointments work by delivering medication directly to the site of inflammation. This can be an advantage over oral medications, which can sometimes cause side effects such as stomach upset or bleeding. Topical ointments also tend to be gentler on the body than oral medications.
Steroids
Bursitis is a condition that can be treated with steroids. Corticosteroids are a type of steroid that is used to treat bursitis. Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for more severe cases of bursitis. If the bursa is inflamed, the doctor may inject a corticosteroid directly into the bursa.
Steroid injections are a common treatment for bursitis. The injection is given directly into the affected bursa to help reduce inflammation and pain. Although steroid injections are not always successful in relieving symptoms, they are often used as a first line treatment for bursitis.