Some individuals benefit from placing an elastic bandage or immobilizing brace around the joint until the inflammation subsides. Exercise can help to protect the joint, but you should wait until the acute problem has passed before beginning an exercise program. Take breaks Alternate repetitive tasks with breaks to relieve pressure. If your work involves an activity such as prolonged kneeling, use protective cushions. These can be purchased at hardware stores, ask for roofers pads.
Treatment is usually conservative with avoidance of the activity.
The drainage and cortisone injection are often combined. Surgical excision is rarely needed, but can be quite helpful in cases that will not resolve. Bursitis due to underlying conditions such as arthritis and gout are more difficult to treat and recur more frequently. The best management is to do your best to avoid flare-ups of the gouty attack or arthritic episode, and to avoid activities which you have learned cause bursitis. M.D. About Human Guides.