Elbow Bursitis / Olecranon Bursitis

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.