When is anti-inflammatory medication recommended for knee bursitis?

Bursitis is inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac that cushions movement near the knee. Repeated kneeling, pressure, friction or an injury can irritate the bursa, causing local swelling and tenderness. Anti-inflammatory medicine may ease symptoms, but it will not treat an infected bursa and may not be appropriate until infection has been excluded.

Avoid kneeling and direct pressure while the knee is sore, use a cushion when appropriate, and ask about ice, activity modification and gradual return to movement. A pharmacist or clinician should check for ulcers, kidney or heart disease, blood pressure problems, pregnancy, asthma reactions and interactions with blood thinners. Do not combine anti-inflammatory products or use someone else's prescription.

Seek prompt medical care if the knee becomes hot, increasingly red, rapidly more swollen, or you develop fever, chills or feel unwell. An infected bursa can need urgent treatment. Get assessment after a significant injury, if you cannot bear weight, or if swelling keeps returning despite avoiding pressure.

Ask whether infection is likely, which medicine and formulation fit your history, how long to use it, and whether drainage, physiotherapy or another treatment is needed.