5 Things You Need to Know About Diagnosing Elbow Bursitis (Student's Elbow)

1. Too Much Pressure on the Elbow

Student's elbow is a type of elbow bursitis. The bursa is a membrane sac that surrounds a joint, in this case, the elbow joint. Bursitis means inflammation of the bursa, which happens as a result of injury or infection. In student's elbow the inflammation is caused by repeated, prolonged pressure on the elbow as when one sits at a desk and leans on the elbow.

2. Signs to Watch For

Swelling on the elbow is common in elbow bursitis. This swelling may come and go as the injury gets better and then is re-aggravated. Pain may accompany the swelling and might be worse when there is pressure on the elbow, but the elbow joint will usually move normally. In some cases infection can cause or accompany elbow bursitis. When it does the area may be red, hot and swollen.

3. Not Just for Students

Of course you don't have to be a student or even work at a desk to get student's elbow. This kind of elbow bursitis can result from other work or leisure activities that lead to repeated rubbing of the elbow, or other situations where a person leans on the elbow such as when driving. Elbow bursitis can also occur because of a single injury or a repetitive motion trauma, and then pressure or rubbing might aggravate the old injury.

4. Let the Doctor Decide

There are other conditions that can cause inflammation of the elbow joints and your physician will want to rule those out when diagnosing elbow bursitis. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout cause similar joint inflammation and pain. However, in rheumatoid arthritis there is usually inflammation in more than one joint, and gout is often considerably more painful than student's elbow. A fracture of one of the bones in the elbow joint can also cause swelling, but might also restrict joint movement. X-rays and medical tests in combination with a thorough review of the history of your symptoms will help your physician make a definitive diagnosis.

5. Relief for Students and Others

If you receive a diagnosis of elbow bursitis or student's elbow, there are several treatments your doctor will recommend. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are a common therapy. Resting the joint and applying ice to reduce swelling can help. You can also prevent elbow bursitis from recurring by avoiding bumping or leaning on your elbow, using elbow pads and taking breaks during activities involving repeated movements that put pressure on the elbow or irritate the bursa. Try to avoid clenching your fists or gripping small objects tightly, because this kind of pressure in the hands also puts tension in the elbows.