Olecranon Bursitis Treatment
There are hundreds of bursae throughout the body, which are fluid-filled sacs that aid in protecting the soft tissue from friction when moving over bone. The olecranon bursa is on the outside of the elbow, providing a cushion between the bony olecranon and the skin during elbow movement. Bursitis occurs when a bursa is irritated and becomes inflamed, causing elbow pain. Olecranon bursitis specifically impacts the outside of the elbow. Our team at Caliber Pain™ offers relief from bursitis, including olecranon bursitis treatment at our clinic in NYC.
Causes and Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis
In many cases of olecranon bursitis, an injury or repetitive pressure to the outside of the elbow causes inflammation of the olecranon bursa. The bursa can swell from blunt trauma to the elbow or from continued weight pressure on the elbow, such as leaning on an elbow. Other possible causes are infections or joint medical conditions. Symptoms of olecranon bursitis include:
- A round, swollen lump on the outside of the elbow
- Pain when bending the elbow
- Tenderness with pressure on the elbow
- Red or warm skin over a swollen lump on the outside of the elbow (infected bursa)
If the swollen elbow bursa is infected, it may require aspiration and antibiotics to clear up the infection. For injury or pressure-related olecranon bursitis, protecting the elbow from pressure can help reduce inflammation. Restricting activities that put pressure on the elbow or using a cushion under the elbow may offer relief. For severe cases, treatment may include aspiration and corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation and pressure. This allows the olecranon bursa to heal and shrink to normal size.
If you have a swollen, painful lump on the outside of your elbow, you may be suffering from olecranon bursitis. Contact our team at Caliber Pain™ in Manhattan to schedule an evaluation and diagnosis. We offer effective olecranon bursitis treatment to give you relief.