Bursitis Treatment

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Lifestyle Modifications

Reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence of bursitis.

Rest the affected joint and avoid activities that place pressure on it to reduce inflammation.
Apply ice packs to the swollen area for about 10 minutes at a time, repeating every few hours, to help reduce swelling and pain.
Use extra cushions around the affected joint while sleeping to provide support and protection.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce excess pressure on your joints.
Clean any cuts or abrasions on or near joints promptly to prevent infections that could lead to bursitis.
Warm up properly before engaging in exercise or sports to prepare joints for activity.
Use padding or protective gear when performing activities that put sustained pressure on joints, such as kneeling.
Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks or activities that strain specific joints.
Avoid knocking or banging your joints, which can irritate the bursa.

ConsultPhysiotherapistOccupational Therapist

Medicinal Treatment

Alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, treat underlying infection, and restore joint function.

Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Antibiotics, typically prescribed for at least 7 days, if the bursitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint to significantly reduce swelling and pain, not used if infection is present.
Aspiration (drawing fluid from the bursa with a needle) to relieve pressure and pain, and to test for infection or other conditions like gout.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerOrthopedic Specialist

Surgical Treatment

Resolve chronic or severe bursitis, eliminate persistent pain, and prevent recurrence when conservative treatments fail.

Surgical drainage of the inflamed bursa may be performed in severe cases or when bursitis is recurrent and unresponsive to other treatments.
Surgical removal of the inflamed bursa (bursectomy) is a rare procedure considered for chronic, severe, or recurrent bursitis that does not improve with conservative measures.
Diagnostic aspiration, while often performed in an outpatient setting, is a procedural intervention that can also provide therapeutic relief by reducing fluid volume.

ConsultOrthopedic Surgeon

Surgical Options

Compare procedures, costs, and hospitals.

Bursectomy

Specialists

PhysiotherapistOccupational TherapistGeneral PractitionerOrthopedic SpecialistOrthopedic Surgeon

About This Disease

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Bursitis Treatment.

Know more about Bursitis Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence of bursitis.

Rest the affected joint and avoid activities that place pressure on it to reduce inflammation.

Apply ice packs to the swollen area for about 10 minutes at a time, repeating every few hours, to help reduce swelling and pain.

Use extra cushions around the affected joint while sleeping to provide support and protection.

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce excess pressure on your joints.

Clean any cuts or abrasions on or near joints promptly to prevent infections that could lead to bursitis.

Warm up properly before engaging in exercise or sports to prepare joints for activity.

Use padding or protective gear when performing activities that put sustained pressure on joints, such as kneeling.

Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks or activities that strain specific joints.

Avoid knocking or banging your joints, which can irritate the bursa.

ConsultPhysiotherapistOccupational Therapist

Medicinal Treatment

Alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, treat underlying infection, and restore joint function.

Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Antibiotics, typically prescribed for at least 7 days, if the bursitis is caused by a bacterial infection.

Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint to significantly reduce swelling and pain, not used if infection is present.

Aspiration (drawing fluid from the bursa with a needle) to relieve pressure and pain, and to test for infection or other conditions like gout.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerOrthopedic Specialist

Surgical Treatment

Resolve chronic or severe bursitis, eliminate persistent pain, and prevent recurrence when conservative treatments fail.

Surgical drainage of the inflamed bursa may be performed in severe cases or when bursitis is recurrent and unresponsive to other treatments.

Surgical removal of the inflamed bursa (bursectomy) is a rare procedure considered for chronic, severe, or recurrent bursitis that does not improve with conservative measures.

Diagnostic aspiration, while often performed in an outpatient setting, is a procedural intervention that can also provide therapeutic relief by reducing fluid volume.

ConsultOrthopedic Surgeon

Bursitis Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Surgical Options

Specialists

About This Disease

Bursitis Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Surgical Options

Specialists

About This Disease