Medical Treatment

If your bursitis is not infectious, the doctor may inject the bursa with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. The results last for varying lengths of time. Because of potential complications, injections are usually given no more than 3 times per year at least 30 days apart.

If your bursitis is infectious, the bursa will be drained with a needle. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to be taken in pill form. If the infection is very serious, or does not respond to oral antibiotics, or if your immune system is weakened for another reason, you may be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. Most causes of infectious bursitis, however, can be managed safely at home.