Self-care
In most cases, bursitis can be successfully treated using a combination of self-care techniques and over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers.
Healthcare professionals usually recommend a self-care management approach known as PRICEM, which stands for:
- Protection,
- Rest,
- Ice,
- Compression,
- Elevation, and
- Medication.
Protection
You may wish to wear padding to protect any bursae that are close to the skin and could be damaged by any impact.
Rest
Rest the affected body part until symptoms improve, and avoid any activity that causes additional pain.
Ice
The use of ice packs can be effective in reducing symptoms of inflammation and pain. Wrap an ice pack (you can use a small pack of frozen vegetables) in a towel, and apply the towel to the affected area for 10 minutes twice a day.
Compression
Using an elastic bandage or dressing to compress affected joints can help to relieve pain.
Elevation
If it is physically possible to do so, elevating the affected body part above the level of your heart will stop blood gathering in the bursa, which should help to reduce inflammation.
Medication
The over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller ibuprofen has proven effective in treating pain and reducing inflammation.
Additional treatment
Steroids
If your symptoms of bursitis are particularly severe, or fail to respond to treatment, your GP may recommend the use of steroid medication.
Steroids work by blocking a chemical in the body called prostaglandin, which causes inflammation.
Steroids are usually injected directly into the affected body part. Because of the high number of side effects that are associated with long-term steroid use, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and increased vulnerability to infection, it is likely that you will only have a maximum of three steroid injections a year.
Antibiotics
If testing confirms that your bursitis is caused by infection, you will be given antibiotic tablets (oral antibiotics).
If you are prescribed antibiotics, it is very important that you finish the entire course you were given even if your symptoms improve. This will help to prevent the infection returning.
