5 Things You Need to Know About Elbow Bursitis

1. A Sad Sac

All of our bony joints such as our shoulders, hips, knees and elbows have a fluid-filled, slippery sac called a bursa (plural, bursae) close to the tendons that reduces friction and allows for smoother movement of the joint. Bursitis is, simply, inflammation of a bursa. An inflamed bursa fills with fluid, causing pain (the bursa contains nerve endings). Elbow or olecranon (the bony point of the elbow) bursitis is thus the inflammation of the bursa in the elbow joint.

2. Elbows Off the Table Please

There are a few ways you can get elbow bursitis. It's also called "student's elbow" because one way to get it is to lean on desks or tables too much, irritating the bursa. A blow or injury to the tip of the elbow can traumatize the bursa and cause swelling. Irritation of the elbow bursa may be the result of physical activity such as weightlifting or other exercise, sports such as tennis or racquetball, or even shoveling snow. If bacteria enters the bursa due to a cut or scrape, bursitis might develop. And people who have rheumatoid arthritis or gout are more prone to elbow bursitis.

3. When Elbow Bursitis Rears Its Ugly Head

There are a few telltale signs indicative of elbow bursitis. One is swelling of the joint (this may not be noticeable right away, as the skin of the elbow is loose and the swollen bursa is not immediately seen). Swelling up to six centimeters over the point of the elbow is possible. Tenderness and pain in the elbow is evident. Movement of the elbow may become restricted. If the swelling is the result of an infected bursa, the joint will be warm and red.

4. A Proper Diagnosis is Just Around the Bend

If you suspect you have elbow bursitis, you'll need to see a physician. He will examine the appearance and movement of the elbow. X-rays may be ordered to verify the diagnosis, though these are taken generally to see if any bone spurs have developed or calcification of the bursa has resulted from a chronic condition. An MRI is not used to determine elbow bursitis and will be ordered only if the doctor remains uncertain about the condition after the initial examination.

5. Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Rest, ice, elevation and oral anti-inflammatory medication is the usual treatment for elbow bursitis. If unresponsive, the fluid may need to be drained from the bursa and a corticosteroid injection given. Bursitis that is the result of an infection (septic bursitis) requires drainage of the bursa and, in some cases, removal of the bursa. Chronic or recurring elbow bursitis may also need surgery. Physical therapy after surgery is usually started about a week after the procedure.