What to expect from anti-inflammatory medication for knee bursitis

Knee bursitis is irritation and swelling of a small fluid-filled sac near the knee. Medicine can reduce inflammation and make kneeling, walking, or bending more comfortable while the bursa settles. It does not remove pressure, friction, fluid, or infection by itself. The treatment plan may also involve resting from kneeling, changing activities, using cold packs, or addressing an underlying joint or skin problem.

Take the medicine only as directed and do not combine anti-inflammatory products without professional advice. Avoid kneeling and use padding when that activity cannot be avoided. Tell your clinician about ulcers, kidney or heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma reactions, pregnancy, and blood-thinning medicines. Do not squeeze, puncture, or drain the swelling yourself. Note whether redness, warmth, swelling, and movement are improving.

Seek prompt medical assessment for fever, chills, marked warmth, spreading redness, pus, or feeling unwell with a swollen knee, because infected bursitis needs different treatment. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, a widespread rash, black stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain after medicine. Arrange review if swelling returns, walking becomes difficult, or symptoms do not improve.

Ask whether the bursa appears infected, how long to use the medicine, and which activities should be paused. Ask when drainage, physiotherapy, or another treatment might be appropriate.