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Elbow Bursitis – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis) is a painful inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow. It is commonly caused by pressure, overuse, or direct injury to the elbow.

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Things worth knowing about "Elbow Bursitis"

Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis) is a painful inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow. It is commonly caused by pressure, overuse, or direct injury to the elbow.

What Is Elbow Bursitis?

Elbow bursitis, medically known as olecranon bursitis, is an inflammation of the bursa located at the tip of the elbow, called the olecranon. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and skin. When inflamed, the bursa fills with excess fluid and becomes swollen and painful.

Causes

Elbow bursitis can be triggered by several factors:

Chronic pressure: Repeatedly leaning on hard surfaces, such as a desk or tabletop
Trauma: A direct blow or fall onto the elbow
Overuse: Repetitive arm movements in certain occupations or sports
Infection: Bacteria can enter through small cuts or skin breaks, causing septic bursitis
Underlying conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or other inflammatory joint diseases can increase the risk

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of elbow bursitis include:

A visible, soft swelling at the tip of the elbow
Pain, especially when pressure is applied or the elbow is moved
Redness and warmth over the elbow area
Limited range of motion of the elbow joint
In cases of infection: fever and general feelings of illness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination. The doctor will assess the swelling and ask about the history of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tools may include:

Ultrasound: To evaluate the amount of fluid in the bursa
X-ray: To rule out bone changes or calcium deposits
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): For unclear or complex cases
Aspiration: Removal of fluid from the bursa for laboratory testing, for example to detect bacteria or crystals in cases of suspected gout

Treatment

Conservative Treatment

Most cases of elbow bursitis can be managed without surgery:

Rest and protection of the elbow from further pressure
Ice packs applied to the area to reduce swelling (never directly on the skin)
Compression bandaging to help control swelling
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) for pain relief
Aspiration: A doctor drains the excess fluid from the bursa using a needle
Corticosteroid injection: In persistent cases, a corticosteroid can be injected directly into the bursa to reduce inflammation

Treatment for Infected Bursitis

If the bursitis is caused by a bacterial infection (septic bursitis), antibiotic therapy is required. In severe infections, surgical drainage or even removal of the bursa may be necessary.

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments fail or bursitis recurs frequently, the bursa can be surgically removed in a procedure called a bursectomy. The body typically regenerates a new, functional bursa within several weeks after surgery.

Prevention

To help prevent elbow bursitis, the following measures are recommended:

Using elbow pads or cushioning during activities that put prolonged pressure on the elbow
Taking regular breaks during repetitive arm movements
Setting up an ergonomic workspace to minimize elbow strain
Managing underlying conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis

References

Reilly D, Kamineni S: Olecranon bursitis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2016;25(1):158-167.
Kasper DL et al. (eds.): Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2018.
World Health Organization (WHO): Musculoskeletal conditions. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions

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