How Bursitis Medications Work

Bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction between bone and soft tissue. The primary goal of medication treatment for bursitis is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Gold Standard: Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are considered the gold standard for treating bursitis due to their high efficacy in reducing inflammation and pain. These injections work by delivering a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area, where it can target the source of inflammation.

• How they work: Corticosteroids suppress the body's inflammatory response, reducing swelling and pain in the affected joint or area.

Alternatives to Corticosteroid Injections

For patients who cannot undergo corticosteroid injections or require additional treatment options, alternative medications can be used. These include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, work by reducing inflammation and pain through the inhibition of enzymes that produce prostaglandins.
• Colchicine: Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication that works by inhibiting microtubule polymerization, which reduces inflammation and pain.
• Biologics: Biologic medications target specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process, providing targeted relief for patients with severe or chronic bursitis.