Bursitis of the Elbow
Description
Olecranon bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac at the back of the elbow, known as the olecranon bursa, becomes swollen. The body has similar bursae near other major joints, where they serve as cushions between bones and surrounding soft tissues. Under normal conditions, these sacs contain only a small amount of fluid. However, when irritated or inflamed, they can swell, resulting in a condition called bursitis.
Animations
Bursitis of the Elbow
Causes & Triggers
Your olecranon bursa can swell if you injure your elbow by hitting it hard. It can swell if you put pressure on it, repeatedly, usually over months. That can happen if you have a job that requires you to crawl or to lean on your elbows a lot. The bursa can swell because of an infection in your elbow. And, swelling may be linked to conditions like arthritis or gout.
- Gout
- Hard blow to tip of elbow
- Infection of bursa caused by bite, scrape or wound
- Repetitive and prolonged motion or pressure:
- Throwing a ball
- Lifting an object overhead
- Leaning on elbows (especially with occupations like plumbing and HVAC)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include swelling and pain. If you have an infected bursa, the skin of your elbow may feel red and warm. An infected bursa can cause serious illness.
- Aches
- Pain (especially when applying pressure)
- Redness and warmth (may indicate infection)
- Restricted movement
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Tips & Treatment
Treatment depends on your needs. The swelling may go down if you cushion your elbow with a pad and avoid leaning on your elbow. Medications may help, too. Your doctor may remove fluid from the bursa with a needle. If those options aren’t helpful, or if you have an infected bursa, you may need surgery. Your healthcare provider can create a plan that’s right for you.
- The usual treatment protocol includes one or more of the following:
- Aspirating (removing with a needle) the fluid
- Injecting a corticosteroid into the bursa
- Modifying occupational and/or daily activities
- Surgically removing the bursa
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication(s)
- Using elbow pads or cushioning
- If the bursa is infected, seek immediate medical attention to prevent spreading the infection to the bloodstream.
