What is elbow bursitis?

Bursitis is pain and swelling of the bursae. These are sacs of fluid that help your joints move smoothly. Olecranon bursitis is a type of bursitis that affects the back of the elbow.

Injury, overuse, or prolonged pressure on your elbow can cause this form of bursitis. Sometimes it happens when people have arthritis. It also can occur for unknown reasons.

Treatment includes avoiding activities that cause pain or that put pressure on the elbow. This helps protect the area while it heals. If your doctor thinks there is an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Most people get better in a few weeks. If the problem doesn't go away, you may need other medicines or treatments.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain, especially with elbow movement or pressure on the elbow.
• Swelling. The affected elbow may have a lump. This is caused by increased fluid in the bursa and is tender when moved or touched.
• Redness, red streaking, warmth, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit caused by infection.

Home treatment may be all that's needed. Avoid activities that cause pain or that put pressure on the elbow. This protects the area while it heals. If your elbow is infected or the problem doesn't go away, you may need medicine or other treatments.

To prevent and ease elbow pain during work, play, or daily activities:

• Strengthen your wrist, arm, shoulder, and back muscles to help protect your elbow.
• Do range-of-motion and light stretching exercises each day to prevent stiffness in the joint.
• Use the correct techniques and equipment during sports so that you don't strain your elbow. Your coach, a sports medicine doctor, or physical therapist can help with this.
• Avoid leaning on the point of your elbow for prolonged periods.
• Don't overuse your arm doing repeated movements that can injure a bursa or tendon. Alternate hands during activities if possible, such as when raking, sweeping, or gardening.
• If you think that things you do at work cause your elbow pain, ask if there are other ways to do your job. There may be ways to adapt the equipment you use.
• Talk to your doctor about wearing an elbow sleeve, sling, or brace to rest a joint or to protect the joint area during an activity. These devices can be helpful. But they can cause joint stiffness and weakness if used for too long.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. If the swelling is from an injury, X-rays may help see if the elbow is broken. If your doctor is concerned about an infection in your elbow, the doctor may test fluid drained from the elbow with a needle.

Home treatment can help reduce pain and let the bursa heal. This includes resting the affected area and avoiding activity that may cause pain. You can also apply ice or cold packs to your elbow. Doing range-of-motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and strengthen the joint muscles. Take medicines exactly as prescribed.

Bursitis is pain and swelling of the bursae. These are sacs of fluid that help your joints move smoothly. Olecranon bursitis is a type of bursitis that affects the back of the elbow.

There are three general causes of elbow bursitis:

• Inflammation, such as from pressure on the bursa or from inflammatory conditions. This is the most common cause of elbow bursitis.
• A sudden injury, such as a blow to the elbow, causing bleeding or fluid buildup.
• Infection caused by any of the following:
  • An injury at the site of the bursa.
  • An infection in tissue near the bursa that spreads to the bursa.
  • A blood-borne infection. This is rare.