A mild bout of bursitis that is not caused by bacteria is usually treated with rest or a splint, ice packs, ibuprofen* or other anti-inflammatory medications. If a bacterial infection occurs, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for treatment. Physiotherapy treatments like ultrasound may be helpful.
If these treatments don't work you may be given an injection of corticosteroids mixed with local anesthesia. These medications are injected directly into the bursa. The injection can cause local side effects, such as acute reaction, infection, and bleeding. The injection usually causes fewer, if any, of the side effects that can occur from corticosteroids taken by mouth.
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatories that usually reduce the inflammation, though often only temporarily. If corticosteroid injections don't help, the same medication might be given in pill form. It’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of corticosteroids taken by mouth because of the more serious risks of side effects from oral corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are never given to people with bacterial infections, which are treated with antibiotics.
Sometimes your doctor will draw some fluid out with a needle to see if there are signs of more serious disease. However, the fluid usually reappears even after removal, so this procedure may need to be repeated.
When you are recovering from bursitis, it’s important to exercise the joint’s full range of motion so that you do not end up with a contracted joint. Your doctor or therapist will give you a detailed plan, depending on which joint is used and the amount of muscle loss. Physiotherapy and ultrasound are other types of treatment your doctor may suggest.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2020. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Bursitis