Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis can cause swelling and discomfort that makes daily activities challenging. The orthopedic specialists at Premier Podiatry and Orthopedics are here to help you find relief and get back to moving comfortably.

Elbow Bursitis

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Introduction

Elbow bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow becomes irritated or inflamed. This sac, called the olecranon bursa, reduces friction between the skin and the elbow bone. When it becomes swollen, the elbow may feel tender, look enlarged, or become difficult to rest on surfaces. With early care, most people recover well without long-term problems.

What is Elbow Bursitis?

The olecranon bursa naturally contains a small amount of fluid. Repeated pressure on the elbow, a direct injury, infection, or certain medical conditions can cause the bursa to swell and fill with excess fluid. Symptoms may include a soft bump at the back of the elbow, pain, warmth, and limited movement. If redness and fever occur, an infection may be present and should be treated promptly.

Treatments for Elbow Bursitis

Treatment depends on whether the bursitis is from irritation or infection. Common non-surgical options include:

Rest and avoiding pressure on the elbow
Ice packs to help reduce swelling
Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and inflammation
Compression wraps or elbow padding for protection
Aspiration, in which fluid is drained from the bursa when swelling is significant
Antibiotics if the bursitis is caused by an infection

Most cases improve with these simple measures.

Do I Need Surgery?

Surgery is rarely needed for elbow bursitis. It may be considered if symptoms persist despite treatment, if the swelling keeps coming back, or if the bursa becomes chronically infected. The goal of surgery is to remove the inflamed bursa, which the body naturally replaces with a new, healthy one during healing.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most people recover fully with proper care, rest, and symptom management. Once pain and swelling decrease, gentle exercises can help restore movement and prevent stiffness. The orthopedic specialists at Premier Podiatry and Orthopedics will guide your recovery, recommend helpful stretching or strengthening exercises, and provide strategies to prevent the bursitis from returning. With the right plan, you can safely resume your usual activities.

References

Sayegh ET, Strauch RJ. Treatment of Olecranon Bursitis: A Systematic Review. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2014;134(11):1517-1536. doi:10.1007/s00402-014-2088-3.

Baumbach SF, Lobo CM, Badyine I, Mutschler W, Kanz KG. Prepatellar and Olecranon Bursitis: Literature Review and Development of a Treatment Algorithm. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2014;134(3):359-370. doi:10.1007/s00402-013-1882-7.

Aaron DL, Patel A, Kayiaros S, Calfee R. Four Common Types of Bursitis: Diagnosis and Management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(6):359-367. doi:10.5435/00124635-201106000-00006.