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Olecranon Bursitis Discharge Instructions


About this topic


A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac. It acts as a cushion between your bone and tendon. A tendon is a thick band that attaches your muscle to the bone. Bursae help the tendons glide and let your joints move easier. In between the pointed part of your elbow (called the olecranon) and the loose skin at the back of the elbow, there is a bursa called the olecranon bursa. This bursa can get swollen and hurt. This called olecranon bursitis. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
  • Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling.
  • Pad the elbow to keep pressure off the bursa
  • Braces or supports to keep your elbow in a good position
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Fight an infection

The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


You may need to rest your elbow for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you work out or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚  

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Do not lay on or put weight on your elbow for a long period of time.
  • Use pads on your elbows. This is very important if you have a job where you have to crawl in tight spaces or lean on your elbows. Some of these are plumbers, electricians, or heating and air conditioning workers.
  • Do not lean the tip of your elbow on a table for long periods of time. Students often do this when studying.
  • If your bursitis is because of overuse, do not do movements that caused the problem, if possible. Painters can get this problem by bending and straightening the elbow over and over again.
  • Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
  • Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
  • Pain or swelling gets worse
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy for Surgery of the Hand ‚  
http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/Olecranon-Bursitis.aspx ‚  
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00028 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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