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.

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.

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 is often enough to reduce pain and let the bursa in your elbow heal. Avoid activities that cause pain or that put pressure on the area. Try to avoid leaning on your elbow.

Your doctor may suggest physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you how to protect your joint as you do your daily activities. You may need to wear a splint on your elbow while it heals.

Sometimes the fluid in the bursa can get infected. If this happens, you will need antibiotics. Some people need surgery to drain or remove the bursa.

• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your doctor gave you a sling, an elastic bandage, or a splint, wear it exactly as instructed. Make sure that you gently bend and straighten your elbow each day if you are using a sling, bandage, or splint. This will help prevent elbow stiffness.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your elbow for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to your elbow. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
• Rest your elbow. Try to stop or reduce any activity that causes pain.
• Wear elbow pads during physical activity to prevent injury.
• Do not lean your elbows on tables or armrests.