Key Takeaways
- Bursa injections deliver corticosteroids directly to the inflamed joint bursa for faster, localized relief.
- Oral medications, including NSAIDs, reduce inflammation systemically but may take longer to act and carry more gastrointestinal risks.
- Injections typically provide longer-lasting pain relief with fewer systemic side effects.
- Patients with chronic bursitis, frozen shoulder, or severe joint inflammation often benefit more from image-guided corticosteroid injections.
- The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, Georgia’s first private interventional pain management group, offers advanced Bursa Injection Treatments and image-guided pain management in Atlanta, Calhoun, Rome, and Duluth, GA. Schedule a consultation today to determine the best option for lasting pain relief.
Understanding Bursa Injections
Bursa injections, also known as corticosteroid or steroid injections, are used to relieve pain and inflammation in the bursa, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Commonly affected areas include the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, these injections are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accuracy and safety. The procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medication) and sometimes a local anesthetic directly into the inflamed bursa.
Benefits include:
- Targeted pain relief at the site of inflammation
- Rapid onset of symptom improvement (often within 24–72 hours)
- Minimal systemic absorption compared to oral medications
- Improved joint mobility and reduced swelling
Conditions commonly treated include shoulder bursitis, trochanteric bursitis, olecranon bursitis, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
How Bursa Injections Work vs. Oral Pain Medications
Bursa Injections (Corticosteroid Injections)
Bursa injections, often containing corticosteroids and local anesthetics, are administered directly into the inflamed bursa under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The corticosteroid component reduces inflammation, while the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, board-certified pain management physicians use image-guided techniques to improve accuracy and patient outcomes. This method minimizes tissue trauma and allows patients to return to normal activity sooner.
Oral Pain Medications (NSAIDs and Analgesics)
Oral medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, work by blocking inflammatory pathways throughout the body. While effective for mild or generalized inflammation, their effect on deep joint bursae is often limited.
Prolonged NSAID use may cause gastrointestinal irritation, kidney stress, or cardiovascular risks, making them less suitable for chronic pain management.
Comparison: Bursa Injections vs. Oral Medications
| Aspect | Bursa Injections | Oral Pain Medications (NSAIDs) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Delivers corticosteroids directly into the inflamed bursa for localized anti-inflammatory effect | Reduces inflammation systemically throughout the body |
| Onset of Relief | Typically, within 24–72 hours | May take several days of consistent dosing |
| Duration of Relief | Weeks to months, depending on condition severity | Hours to days; requires repeated doses |
| Systemic Side Effects | Minimal when administered correctly | Possible GI bleeding, ulcers, and kidney/liver strain |
| Precision | Image-guided, highly targeted | Non-specific; affects the entire body |
| Best For | Localized bursitis, frozen shoulder, joint inflammation | Mild to moderate general inflammation or short-term pain relief |
Bursa injections provide more focused, durable pain relief compared to oral medications, especially when inflammation is localized.
Speed and Duration of Pain Relief
The benefit of steroid injections lies in their immediate anti-inflammatory action at the exact site of pain. Most patients notice substantial improvement within a few days, with relief lasting for several weeks or months, depending on activity level and severity.
In contrast, oral NSAIDs often require consistent dosing to maintain effect, and their pain relief may fade within hours once the medication wears off. For chronic bursitis or recurring inflammation, injections typically provide more sustainable outcomes.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Bursa Injection Risks
Complications are rare when injections are performed by a trained interventional pain specialist. Minor side effects can include temporary soreness or mild swelling at the injection site.
Advanced practices such as ultrasound-guided procedures reduce the risk of misplacement and ensure accurate corticosteroid delivery.
Oral Medication Risks
Prolonged use of oral anti-inflammatories increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney dysfunction, or fluid retention. Patients with existing heart disease, hypertension, or kidney problems must exercise caution with NSAID therapy.
For patients who cannot tolerate oral pain relievers, image-guided bursa injections offer a safer, targeted alternative.
When Bursa Injections Are the Preferred Choice
Bursa injections are generally recommended when:
- Pain persists despite rest, ice, and short-term NSAID use.
- Movement or pressure aggravates joint pain, especially around the shoulder, hip, or knee.
- The pain significantly restricts daily activity or work performance.
- Diagnostic imaging shows localized inflammation suitable for interventional management.
Patients with frozen shoulder or shoulder bursitis often experience the greatest benefit, as corticosteroid injections can restore mobility and break the inflammatory cycle without the systemic burden of oral medication.
Consult Georgia’s Leading Pain Specialists
When joint inflammation becomes persistent or resistant to oral medication, bursa injections provide a safer and more effective path to lasting relief. The expert team at The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists offers advanced, minimally invasive interventional pain treatments across Atlanta, Calhoun, Rome, Duluth, and Marietta, GA.
Schedule a consultation today to explore effective, minimally invasive treatments for bursitis, frozen shoulder, or joint inflammation, and regain lasting comfort and mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do bursa injections relieve inflammation?
Bursa injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the inflamed bursa, suppressing the body’s inflammatory response and providing rapid pain reduction while minimizing systemic effects.
Do you need to rest after a cortisone injection?
Yes. Light activity is fine, but patients should avoid strenuous movement for 24–48 hours to allow the medication to settle and the anti-inflammatory effect to develop.
Are steroid injections better than NSAIDs for inflammation?
In cases of localized joint inflammation, steroid injections are typically more effective and longer-lasting than NSAIDs because they act directly at the source of pain rather than systemically.
Can bursa injections treat frozen shoulder or shoulder bursitis?
Yes. Subacromial or glenohumeral steroid injections for frozen shoulder or bursitis can reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and restore joint movement.
Are there risks associated with repeated injections?
While generally safe, repeated corticosteroid injections should be spaced appropriately to prevent tendon weakening. Your specialist will determine the best schedule based on your condition and treatment response.
