Bursitis Elbow
Bursitis Elbow
Bursitis Elbow, or Elbow Bursitis is sometimes caused by trauma to the elbow joint, is an accumulation of fluid in a sac lying behind the elbow called the olecranon bursa.
It differs from tennis elbow, which affects the tendon that connects the muscles of your forearm to your elbow.
When the bursa suffers inflammation, it fills with fluid, causing noticeable swelling at the elbow joint and a considerable amount of pain. A fall in which the back of the elbow hits a hard surface, or a repetitive motion in which a person frequently rests their elbows on a hard surface can trigger elbow bursitis.
Bursitis Elbow Symptoms
Elbow bursitis is noticeable when you experience a limited range of motion of the elbow combined with pain at the back of the elbow and visible swelling over the bony tip of the elbow.
A physician usually orders an X-ray of the elbow joint to rule out any other cause of swelling.
Infected Elbow Bursitis
If the elbow bursa is infected, a condition called infected elbow bursitis exists. This is common in people already experiencing gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Signs that the elbow is infected include fever, chills, red discoloration around the back of the elbow and breakage in the skin surrounding the elbow.
Whether you suspect the bursitis is infected or not, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor to have the elbow examined.
The first course of action to relieve the inflammation is aspiration, in which the doctor inserts a needle into the swollen area in order to draw out the accumulated fluid.
Most patients notice an immediate decrease in pain after this procedure. An injection of cortisone is often administered immediately after aspiration to prevent the recurrence of fluid build-up.
Once the fluid has been removed, resting the elbow is the best course of treatment for elbow bursitis. A brace or sling is not usually required; simply take precaution not to use the elbow for lifting or strenuous activity.
Bursitis Elbow Recovery
Until the elbow bursitis has completely healed, take a break from all sports activities such as tennis or swimming. Be careful when sleeping to make sure that no pressure is put on the elbow.
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help eliminate the pain and control any recurrence of inflammation at the site.
Some patients may heal faster when the elbow is immobilized in a splint, but the splint should be used for no longer than a few days to avoid developing stiffness in the elbow joint. If it is determined that the bursa is infected, antibiotics may be prescribed for a seven day period or longer.
People who suffer more than one bout of elbow bursitis can invest in elbow pads to protect this area of the body from further inflammation. If the bursitis recurs frequently, the bursa can be surgically removed.
