Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding BursitisSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding Bursitis
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Elbow bursitis, also calledolecranonbursitis, is irritation or inflammation of a sac that covers and cushions the outside of the elbow. This occurs when extra fluid collects in the area due to injury or an inflammatory condition.
With elbow bursitis, you may notice a squishy lump on the back of your elbow that may or may not bepainful.
This article explains the symptoms and causes of elbow bursitis. It also covers how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / JR Bee.
What Is Elbow Bursitis?
Elbow bursitis refers to inflammation of the olecranonbursaat the tip of your elbow. A bursa is a slippery, sac-like tissue that normally contains a small amount of fluid. It helps with movement, especially around pointed areas like the elbow.
When a bursa becomes inflamed (bursitis), the sac fills with extra fluid. This can cause pain and noticeable swelling behind the elbow. In rarer cases, the bursa can rupture or burst.
Elbow bursitis is the most commontype of bursitis.
Natural Ways to Fight Inflammation
What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis?
Common symptoms of elbow bursitis include:
Some individuals may develop an infection within the bursa, which is known asseptic bursitis. This can cause afever, bursa swelling, and tenderness, as well as malaise (ageneral uneasyor sick feeling).
What Causes Elbow Bursitis?
Septic bursitis may occur after an elbow injury or if an already existing infection spreads to the elbow bursa.
Elbow Pain From Lifting: Steps to Relieve Pain
How Is Elbow Bursitis Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose elbow bursitis based on your medical history and a physical examination.
Sometimes, further testing is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. For example, if you have signs of an infected bursa, your healthcare provider may order a fluid sample analysis.
Imaging studies are also useful for diagnosing elbow bursitis, though not always required. These include the following:
Your provider also may discuss circumstances that may cause bursitis to flare up, such as the type of work you do. Repetitive tasks or postures that place stress on the elbows, for example, can lead to injury.
How to Treat Elbow Bursitis
At-hometreatment for bursitismay include:
If you continue to experience pain, your doctor may drain the fluid and give you injections for inflammation. An infection requiresantibioticsand possibly surgery to remove the bursa.
Will an Elbow Brace Help Bursitis?A brace may help to keep your elbow still while your injury heals. A healthcare provider also may recommend elbow pads, so long as there’s no infection involved. If surgery is necessary, a splint will help during the healing process. It’s also likely that elbow bursitis exercises may be recommended.
Will an Elbow Brace Help Bursitis?
A brace may help to keep your elbow still while your injury heals. A healthcare provider also may recommend elbow pads, so long as there’s no infection involved. If surgery is necessary, a splint will help during the healing process. It’s also likely that elbow bursitis exercises may be recommended.
Summary
Elbow bursitis can cause pain, swelling, difficulty with motion, and joint warmth. Some may develop an infection, which can also cause a fever and tenderness.
Bursitis may be treated with at-home remedies. However, if these don’t work or if you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe medications, as well as drain the fluid.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow (olecranon) bursitis.Davis L, King A.Acute Rupture to the Olecranon Bursa in a Collegiate Football Player.Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association. 2016 Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 15. doi:10.25035/jsmahs.02.01.15Khodaee M.Common superficial bursitis.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(4):224-231.Ortho Bethesda.What is septic bursitis?Michigan Medicine.Olecranon bursitis (popeye elbow).Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bursitis.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow (olecranon) bursitis.Davis L, King A.Acute Rupture to the Olecranon Bursa in a Collegiate Football Player.Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association. 2016 Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 15. doi:10.25035/jsmahs.02.01.15Khodaee M.Common superficial bursitis.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(4):224-231.Ortho Bethesda.What is septic bursitis?Michigan Medicine.Olecranon bursitis (popeye elbow).Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bursitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow (olecranon) bursitis.Davis L, King A.Acute Rupture to the Olecranon Bursa in a Collegiate Football Player.Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association. 2016 Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 15. doi:10.25035/jsmahs.02.01.15Khodaee M.Common superficial bursitis.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(4):224-231.Ortho Bethesda.What is septic bursitis?Michigan Medicine.Olecranon bursitis (popeye elbow).Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bursitis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow (olecranon) bursitis.
Davis L, King A.Acute Rupture to the Olecranon Bursa in a Collegiate Football Player.Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association. 2016 Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 15. doi:10.25035/jsmahs.02.01.15
Khodaee M.Common superficial bursitis.Am Fam Physician.2017;95(4):224-231.
Ortho Bethesda.What is septic bursitis?
Michigan Medicine.Olecranon bursitis (popeye elbow).
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bursitis.
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