A bursa functions like a small water balloon to reduce friction and wear between soft tissues and bone. The olecranon bursa is located between the back of the elbow and the overlying skin, allowing the skin to glide easily over the elbow.
Olecranon bursitis is inflammation and pain of this bursa.
What Is Olecranon Bursitis?
Olecranon bursitis occurs when the bursa over the back of the elbow becomes irritated and inflamed.
The condition is usually caused by a sudden direct injury or repetitive pressure on the back of the elbow. Less commonly, it may result from overuse or strenuous, unaccustomed exercise involving the elbow.
Causes and Risk Factors
Causes may include:
- A sudden direct injury to the back of the elbow
- Repetitive pressure on the back of the elbow
- Less commonly, overuse or strenuous, unaccustomed exercise involving the elbow
Risk factors include:
- Sports that involve bending or landing on the elbow, such as football or volleyball
- Vigorous or repetitive sports training
- A sudden increase or change in activity level
- Improper warm-up or overstretching
- Poor technique
- Playing on artificial turf
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, or redness over the back of the elbow
- Limited movement of the affected elbow
- Pain that may occasionally extend into nearby areas
- Occasionally, severe pain with elbow movement
- Crepitation, or a crackling sound, when the bursa is moved or touched
- Painless swelling of the bursa in some cases
- Fever when the bursa is infected
Treatment
Initial treatment may include:
- Medication and ice to relieve pain
- Stretching and strengthening exercises, particularly for the biceps and triceps muscles
- Modification of the activity that caused the problem
- An elbow pad or brace to protect the bursa and reduce repeated irritation
- An elastic bandage to help reduce swelling
These treatments may often be performed at home, although referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be helpful.
If symptoms persist or recur, fluid may be withdrawn from the bursa, with or without a cortisone injection. Cortisone injections may reduce inflammation but are not usually recommended simply to allow a return to sports.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if the bursa is infected or to help prevent infection after surgery.
Bursae that persist despite conservative treatment, repeatedly recur, or become infected may require surgical removal.
Cold may be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Heat may be used before prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises.
Recovery and Outcomes
Olecranon bursitis generally improves within weeks to months when treated appropriately with conservative treatment and adequate rest.
Potential complications include:
- Prolonged healing if the condition is not treated appropriately or given enough time to heal
- Frequent recurrence of symptoms leading to a chronic problem
- Joint stiffness with permanent limitation of elbow movement
- Infection of the bursa
- Chronic inflammation or scarring of the bursa
When to See Dr. Chudik
If swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, redness, limited elbow movement, or other symptoms persist or worsen, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chudik. Fever may occur when the bursa is infected.
Call 630-324-0402, request an appointment online, or email contactus@chudikmd.com.