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Elbow Bursitis / Olecranon Bursitis

    The elbow joint is a connection point between the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that decreases friction between two tissues. The olecranon bursa covers the olecranon process, which is the pointed part of the elbow formed by an extension of the ulna where it meets the humerus. The bursa is located between the loose skin that covers the elbow joint and the forearm bones. The bursa minimizes the friction and protects the olecranon process from injuries, however the bursa can become inflamed causing elbow bursitis.



    The service and the care is excellent. Dr Hamer is an excellent doctor she takes her time with you explains everything in detail. It is very easy to contact her if you have an questions or need anything her nurse contacts you very quickly. All the staff is very professional and attentive to all of your needs.

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    What is Elbow Bursitis?

    The fluid filled sac at the tip of the elbow can become inflamed. This inflammation is the result of repetitive stress or force placed on the elbow from everyday activities. People who lean on their elbow a lot or work in an environment where the risk of injury is higher can typically develop elbow bursitis. The inflammation increases the amount of fluid in the elbow causing pain and limited mobility. In some cases, a minor cut or trauma to the skin of the elbow can introduce bacteria that causes an infected elbow bursitis.

    Elbow Bursitis

    Causes


    Bursitis is often the result of repetitive injury to the bursa or the surrounding tendons. Common causes of bursitis include:

    • Participating in athletic activities – like tennis – that place repetitive strain on the elbow.
    • Repetitive strain injuries.
    • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, calciferous bodies, or infection.
    • “Overload” injuries such as lifting heavy objects or weight training.
    • Prolonged pressure from leaning on the elbow, which can range from repeatedly sitting at the kitchen table with your head in your hand, to working in tight spaces where you have to lean on your elbow.


    Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis

    • Pain or a burning sensation in the elbow
    • Moderate to severe loss of range of motion in the elbow
    • Pain when moving the arm or when sleeping on the affected side
    • Weakness, especially when the pain increases
    • A feeling of tightness in the elbow
    • Localized swelling or redness of the elbow

    Treating Elbow Bursitis

    If one suspects they have bursitis, initial treatment should first consist of avoiding the activities that produce any pain. A course of rest, ice, physical therapy, and non-steroidal medications to reduce inflammation is highly recommended to begin treating bursitis of the elbow. If the condition is persistent, a pain management specialist may suggest steroidal medication or injections, in conjunction with physical therapy. If there is excessive swelling, your specialist may drain the fluid from the bursa. In only the most severe cases is a surgical intervention used to correct the condition.

    Can I drain my own elbow bursitis?

    Occasionally your doctor may recommend aspirating or draining the swollen area caused by elbow bursitis. This is done to relieve some of the pain by removing the fluid that has accumulated in the elbow. Typically, the fluid is drained by using a syringe which can then be sent to a lab for analysis. Analysis of the fluid is important in determining whether the bursitis was caused by a bacterial infection. Your doctor may also recommend injecting corticosteroids to further reduce the inflammation.

    It is not recommended to drain your elbow bursitis at home without a doctor’s supervision and determining the cause of bursitis. Using a syringe at home can increase the risk of introducing an infection. Another advantage of having a doctor drain the fluid is that they can send it to the lab for analysis. It is important to know whether the elbow bursitis was caused by a bacterial infection or by repetitive pressure placed on the elbow.

    How long does elbow bursitis last?

    The length of time it takes for elbow bursitis to fully heal depends on several factors such as age, underlying conditions and the cause of inflammation. On average, bursitis elbow recovery time can take up to eight weeks to fully heal. Faster healing can be achieved by visiting your doctor and obtaining the appropriate treatment such as aspiration/drainage or steroid injections.

    If the inflammation is the result of a bacterial infection, then oral antibiotics may be recommended. Oral antibiotics are typically taken for no longer than seven days. After that, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions in further taking care of the elbow to prevent worsening of the condition.

    In serious cases where the elbow bursitis is reoccurring, bursectomy or surgery to remove the bursa may be needed.

    Can elbow bursitis go away on its own?

    It is important to determine the cause of the inflammation before deciding on a method of treatment. If the bursitis is not severe then conservative treatments can help. Conservative treatments that can be done at home involve rest, ice, and compression. Talk to your doctor about ways of avoiding pressure and protecting your elbow. If the bursitis is the result of a bacterial infection, then it is important to seek proper care which will involve some form of antibiotics. Other causes of bursitis may need steroid injections to reduce the inflammation and speed up the healing process.

    What does bursitis in the elbow look like?

    The bursa in your elbow is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in your elbow. It is usually flat and changes shape according to your elbow. However, inflammation of the bursa can lead to a reddish swollen appearance. Fluid can accumulate and create a bump in your elbow that can cause limited mobility and pain. Below is a picture of elbow bursitis.

    Elbow Bursitis / Olecranon Bursitis

    Infected Elbow Bursitis

    Infected or septic elbow bursitis is the result of a bacterial infection that is commonly caused by work related injuries. Those working in jobs that have an increased risk of injury such as plumbers, carpenters or athletes commonly have an infected elbow bursitis. Minor trauma to the skin can introduce bacteria that will cause the infection. Draining the fluid in the elbow and sending it to the lab for analysis is necessary determining what kind of bacterial infection it is.

    Treatment for infected elbow bursitis will include some form antibiotics. Oral antibiotics may need to be taken for up to seven days. In addition to this, aspiration or drainage of the fluid in the elbow will be required.


    Medicine Intervenes


    These are procedures that your physician may recommend and perform:

    • REST and ICE
    • The use of NSAIDS (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
    • Steroidal injections to reduce the inflammation
    • Pain medications to reduce discomfort
    • Draining the fluid in the bursa, and injection of a corticosteroid medication, if the condition does not improve within 3-4 weeks.
    • Surgery to remove the affected bursa


    Prognosis


    It is important that once the pain and inflammation is reduced, and motion and strength are restored, that the patient gradually return to full activities. Instruction in daily activities or sports will help reduce the chance of a re-occurrence of the bursitis. In most cases full return to activity will take from 2-6 weeks.

    To prevent elbow bursitis or a re-occurrence of the condition individuals should:

    • Make modifications in work or daily activities to avoid putting pressure on the elbow.
    • Avoid highly repetitive activities whenever possible.
    • Use an elbow-pad to cushion the elbow when activities that strain the elbow cannot be avoided.


    Dr freeman is a amazing doc. He truly cares about his patients!!
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    Page Updated on Jul 19, 2023 by Redefine Healthcare Redefinehealthcare Team

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