Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis

Causes of Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis can result from trauma or a direct blow, prolonged pressure on the elbow, puncture wounds, insect bites, or underlying conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

People in occupations such as plumbing or HVAC work, which involve frequent crawling or resting on the elbows, are especially at risk.

Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis

Common symptoms include:

• Swelling is typically the first sign of elbow bursitis.
• As fluid continues to accumulate in the bursa, the swelling increases and may cause pain.
• The pain is typically mild but can worsen with direct pressure or when bending the elbow.
• If the bursa becomes infected, the skin over the elbow may become warm and red.
• Without prompt treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the arm or into the bloodstream.

Diagnosis of Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis is diagnosed through a review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend an X-ray and take a sample of the fluid from the bursa to check for infection.

Treatment Options for Elbow Bursitis

If an infection causes bursitis, your doctor may recommend removing fluid from the bursa with a needle and prescribing antibiotics. Elbow bursitis that is not caused by infection can be treated with the following:

• An elbow pad to cushion your elbow
• Avoiding activities that place direct pressure on the swollen elbows
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Injection of corticosteroid medication directly into the bursa to relieve pain and swelling
• When these methods do not help, the bursa is surgically removed

How to Prevent Elbow Bursitis

Protection of your elbow from excessive friction or wearing elbow pads when you need to lean on your elbows while working may prevent bursitis.