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 are the causes?
- Prolonged pressure to the back of the elbow
- Injury or direct blow to the back of the elbow
- Repeat movements at the elbow or overuse of the elbow joint
- Infection
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
What are the main signs?
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Achiness
- Warmth
- Redness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel the parts of your arm and elbow joint to find where the problem is. The doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- Fluid removal to check for infection
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Padding the elbow to keep pressure off the bursa
- Braces or supports to keep your painful body part in a good position
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Removing fluid from the bursa
- Surgery is not often needed
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. ‚
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.
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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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚