Best treatments for bursitis

Understanding bursitis

Bursitis is not one joint problem — it is a category. A bursa, MedlinePlus (NLM) explains, is "a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts, such as muscles, tendons, or skin," and bursitis is what happens when one becomes inflamed. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) notes there are over 150 known bursae in the body, so the same label covers the elbow (olecranon bursitis, "student's elbow"), the kneecap (prepatellar bursitis, "housemaid's knee"), the outer hip (trochanteric) and the shoulder. MedlinePlus says it usually occurs at the knee or elbow, and that symptoms are pain and swelling. The fact that changes what happens next is whether the bursa is infected. Per StatPearls, septic bursitis "is most often caused by direct penetration of the bursa through the skin," and Staphylococcus aureus causes the majority of cases. StatPearls also cites a study finding that a skin-temperature increase of just 2.2 °C over the affected bursa, compared with the unaffected side, was highly sensitive and specific for septic bursitis. That question is why a clinician may drain the swelling: MedlinePlus says fluid may be taken "to be sure the problem isn't an infection." StatPearls specifies the aspirate goes for cell count, Gram stain and culture, glucose, and crystals, and that a white cell count under 500/mm3 is consistent with noninfectious, noncrystalline bursitis. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What treats bursitis?

Our catalog lists 24 products that may treat bursitis, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is advil.

What is the best-rated treatment for bursitis?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — advil ranks highest among the products we list for bursitis. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat bursitis?

Treatments for bursitis span FDA drug classes including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, corticosteroid. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.