Olecranon (Elbow) Bursitis Treatment in Arlington, VA

Man with olecranon bursitis touching his painful elbow

Elbow bursitis affects the olecranon bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac at the boney tip of the elbow. Like the other bursae located near joints throughout the body, the olecranon bursa serves as a cushion between bones and soft tissues. It also provides lubrication to help the soft tissues move freely over the underlying bones during movement.

Bursitis occurs when a normally flat bursa becomes irritated and inflamed due to trauma, infection or sustained pressure. For example, plumbers who frequently lean on their elbows and crawl in tight spaces are prone to bursitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis?

Usually, the first sign of elbow bursitis is swelling, which may not be readily apparent because the skin over the olecranon tends to be loose. As the inflammation worsens, the bursa may become stretched, which can cause pain and interfere with elbow movement. Additionally, if the olecranon bursa is infected, the skin may become red and warm. An infected bursa requires prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and entering the bloodstream.

How Is Elbow Bursitis Diagnosed & Treated?

To diagnose elbow bursitis, a physician will ask about the symptoms and examine the affected elbow and arm. If the physician suspects an infection, they may recommend a needle aspiration to remove fluid from the olecranon bursa. In addition to providing a fluid sample that can be checked in a laboratory for bacteria, a needle aspiration can help relieve discomfort. A bacterial infection may require antibiotic treatment.

The symptoms of elbow bursitis can often be managed conservatively with:

  • Avoidance of activities that place direct pressure on the elbow
  • Elbow pads to cushion the painful elbow
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling

If the symptoms do not improve with several weeks of conservative treatment, the physician may suggest a needle aspiration to remove fluid from the inflamed olecranon bursa and prepare it for a corticosteroid injection. Additionally, surgery may be considered to remove an infected or severely inflamed bursa.

See an Elbow Specialist in Arlington

If you have symptoms of olecranon bursitis, you can consult with an elbow specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, VA. Contact us at (703) 525-2200 to request an appointment today.