What Anti-Inflammatory is Good for Psoas Pain?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to orthopedic sources, iliopsoas tendinitis and bursitis are common sources of hip and groin pain, particularly in athletes. For many individuals, over-the-counter (OTC) options are the first line of defense, making the question of what anti-inflammatory is good for psoas a critical one for effective symptom management.

Quick Summary

Over-the-counter NSAIDs are standard initial treatments for iliopsoas pain due to their ability to reduce inflammation and pain. More severe, persistent cases may require prescription medications, topical gels, or corticosteroid injections. For long-term recovery, a treatment plan involving medication, rest, ice, and physical therapy is often recommended.

Key Points

Initial Treatment: For most mild cases, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
Professional Diagnosis: Psoas pain can mimic other conditions like sciatica or hip problems, so a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial.
Advanced Medication Options: If OTC drugs fail, prescription-strength NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, or topical anti-inflammatory gels may be prescribed.
Corticosteroid Injections: For severe, persistent cases, a doctor may administer a corticosteroid injection directly into the affected area under image guidance for powerful, localized anti-inflammatory relief.
Combined Therapy: The most effective treatment plan integrates medication with other therapies, including rest, ice, and physical therapy, to address the root cause and ensure long-term recovery.
Medication Risks: NSAIDs carry risks, especially with long-term use. Side effects can include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney issues, and cardiovascular problems.
Holistic Approach: Addressing the underlying causes, such as overuse, muscle imbalances, or even emotional stress, is essential for a full recovery.

Psoas pain, often resulting from iliopsoas tendinitis or bursitis, is a condition caused by the inflammation of the iliopsoas muscle and its surrounding structures. While a comprehensive treatment plan including rest, ice, and physical therapy is essential for recovery, medication plays a crucial role in managing the initial pain and inflammation. This article explores the types of anti-inflammatory medications available, their effectiveness, and when to consider medical consultation.

Over-the-Counter Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

For most mild to moderate cases of psoas inflammation, over-the-counter NSAIDs are the most common recommendation. These medications work by inhibiting enzymes that create prostaglandins, which are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. Common OTC options include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): This is a readily available option for managing mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It is generally recommended to take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Naproxen Sodium (Aleve): Naproxen is known for its longer-lasting effects compared to ibuprofen. This can be advantageous for providing continuous pain relief with less frequent administration.

It is important to remember that OTC NSAIDs should be used short-term, typically for a limited duration unless a healthcare provider recommends otherwise. Always take NSAIDs with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medications

If OTC options do not provide sufficient relief, a doctor may prescribe a more potent NSAID or a different class of anti-inflammatory medication.

Prescription-strength NSAIDs: Medications like diclofenac, indomethacin, or higher concentrations of ibuprofen or naproxen can offer more significant anti-inflammatory effects for persistent or severe pain.
COX-2 inhibitors: These are a newer class of NSAIDs, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), that specifically target the COX-2 enzyme, which is primarily responsible for inflammation. They have a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs but still carry cardiovascular risks, so they require a prescription and careful medical supervision.
Topical anti-inflammatories: Topical gels or creams containing diclofenac can be applied directly to the affected area. This can provide localized relief with a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral medication.

Advanced Treatment: Corticosteroid Injections

For persistent psoas tendinitis or bursitis that does not respond to oral medication and physical therapy, a corticosteroid injection may be considered. This procedure involves injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the inflamed bursa or around the tendon, often under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. These injections can offer significant, though not permanent, pain relief and can facilitate participation in physical therapy. However, their use is typically limited to a few times a year to prevent potential tissue damage.

Considerations and Side Effects of NSAIDs

While generally effective, NSAIDs have potential risks, especially with prolonged use. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, and more serious complications like bleeding are possible. NSAIDs can also impact kidney function and blood pressure. Individuals with pre-existing conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, or stomach, or those on blood thinners, should consult a doctor before using NSAIDs.

A Comparison of Common Oral NSAIDs for Psoas Pain


Feature	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)	Naproxen Sodium (Aleve)	Celecoxib (Celebrex)	Diclofenac (Prescription/Topical)
Availability	Over-the-counter	Over-the-counter	Prescription only	Both, Prescription for oral form
Onset of Action	Relatively quick (within hours)	Longer onset than ibuprofen	Varies, but often faster pain relief	Varies, rapid for topical
Duration of Relief	Shorter (4-6 hours)	Longer (up to 12 hours)	Longer duration	Shorter for topical, varies for oral
Dosing Frequency	Varies based on product and recommendation	Varies based on product and recommendation	Varies based on prescription	Varies by formulation and prescription
Key Considerations	Fast-acting for acute pain, cost-effective	Long-lasting relief, convenient for less frequent dosing	Lower GI risk, higher cardiovascular risk	Localized effect for topical, systemic risk for oral
Risks	GI upset, kidney issues, cardiovascular concerns	GI upset, kidney issues, cardiovascular concerns	Cardiovascular and GI risks, prescription needed	Systemic risks for oral, skin irritation for topical

Beyond Medication: The Holistic Treatment Plan

Addressing psoas pain effectively often requires more than just medication. A holistic approach that tackles the root cause, frequently related to overuse or muscle imbalance, is crucial.

Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate the pain, particularly repetitive hip movements, is important.
Ice and Heat: Applying ice can help reduce acute inflammation, while heat can relax muscles later in recovery.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises from a physical therapist are vital for improving flexibility, strengthening supporting muscles, and releasing tension.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes like maintaining good posture and optimizing workspaces can help prevent recurrence.
Mind-Body Techniques: Practices such as yoga or meditation may help reduce overall muscle tension, potentially impacting the psoas muscle.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Techniques aimed at improving muscle and joint function can address issues related to the psoas.

Conclusion

For managing psoas pain, over-the-counter NSAIDs are typically the initial anti-inflammatory choice. However, successful recovery depends on a broader strategy that includes rest, ice, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. More severe cases may necessitate prescription medications or corticosteroid injections. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to avoid complications and ensure effective healing.

For a deeper dive into the anatomical basis and advanced treatment considerations for iliopsoas tendinitis, further research on medical resources is recommended, such as the Medscape article on Iliopsoas Tendinitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a common over-the-counter NSAID used to treat mild to moderate psoas pain and reduce inflammation. It should be taken with food to minimize the risk of stomach irritation.

Naproxen (Aleve) provides longer-lasting pain relief than ibuprofen. For some, this may be more convenient, but both are effective anti-inflammatory options for iliopsoas pain.

Risks of NSAIDs include stomach problems like ulcers and bleeding, kidney issues, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, especially with high-dose or long-term use. It is crucial to use them short-term and with medical guidance.

Corticosteroid injections are typically considered for persistent or severe psoas tendinitis or bursitis that does not improve with rest, oral NSAIDs, or physical therapy. The injection offers powerful, localized anti-inflammatory relief.

Yes, an effective treatment plan should combine medication with non-pharmacological approaches. These include rest, applying ice, physical therapy (stretching and strengthening), and addressing ergonomic issues or overuse patterns.

For many, physical therapy is the cornerstone of long-term recovery. It addresses muscle imbalances and tightness, which are often the root cause of psoas pain. However, medication may be necessary to control initial inflammation and pain to a level where physical therapy can be effective.

Psoas pain often presents as deep pain in the lower back, hip, or groin area. It may worsen when standing from a seated position, walking, or lifting the leg. Since symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.