Bursae are crucial, fluid-filled sacs that cushion major joints like the shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows, reducing friction between bones, muscles, tendons, and skin. When a bursa becomes inflamed due to overuse, trauma, or infection, it causes painful swelling and restricted mobility—a condition known as bursitis. The olecranon bursa in the elbow is particularly vulnerable to this, causing elbow bursitis (also known as olecranon bursitis).
Under normal circumstances, the olecranon bursa contains only a small amount of fluid to cushion the tip of your elbow. However, when triggered by trauma, direct impact, prolonged pressure, or conditions like gout, the bursa becomes inflamed and fills with excess fluid. This results in swelling, which worsens as more fluid accumulates. What may begin as a small bump can rapidly grow to the size of a golf ball, intensifying pain, especially with movement or pressure. If left untreated, the swelling and pain will worsen, limiting your range of motion and hindering daily activities.
At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating elbow, hand, and wrist conditions, offering expert care for those dealing with elbow bursitis in Fremont and surrounding areas. Our team provides personalized treatment plans, combining both non-surgical and surgical options to help you find lasting relief. Depending on your condition, your treatment may include one or more of the following effective options.
Elbow Bursitis Treatment at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute
- Activity Modification: Resting the affected elbow is key to healing. We prioritize educating our patients on avoiding activities that strain the affected elbow joint while offering personalized guidance on modifying daily tasks to prevent further stress.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: In the first 48 hours, applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling. After 48 hours, switch to heat therapy, like a warm compress, to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Always avoid direct skin contact with ice or heat.
- Immobilization: To help stabilize the elbow and limit movement, you may be advised to wear a splint or brace.
- Elevation: Keeping the injured elbow elevated above heart level as much as possible helps to minimize swelling.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin can help manage pain and inflammation. Always consult your healthcare provider for safe usage.
- Hand Therapy: Once the swelling decreases, our hand therapists will guide you through tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around your elbow, alleviate pain, and aid in injury prevention.
- Corticosteroid Injections: If conservative treatments fail to relieve your bursitis symptoms, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce the inflammation.
- Aspiration: In certain cases, excess fluid in the bursa may need to be drained using a needle, a procedure known as aspiration.
- Surgical Intervention: In rare cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, we offer surgical options to remove the inflamed bursa.
Find Effective Relief from Elbow Bursitis at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute
he first step to overcoming elbow bursitis is scheduling a consultation at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute. In most cases, a physical exam is enough for diagnosis, but if swelling follows an injury or fall, we may recommend X-rays to rule out fractures. At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute in Fremont, our expert team is dedicated to helping you recover, relieve pain, and return to your daily activities. We’ll assess your condition, identify the root cause, and develop a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief. Don’t wait—your health is our priority. Call (510) 480-3700 or book your appointment online today!
Source:
https://www.healthline.com/health/sports-injuries/elbow-bursitis#physical-therapy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22553-elbow-olecranon-bursitis
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/elbow-olecranon-bursitis/