Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon Bursitis is an inflammation of the sacs of fluid on your arm that allow your elbow to move. This causes elbow pain and may also be called a “Popeye Elbow.

Olecranon bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled cushions (bursa) that sit between the elbow bones, muscles and tendons swell and become inflamed. The most common causes of inflammation are:

• A direct blow to the elbow that causes the bursa to produce more fluid.
• Prolonged pressure on the tip of the elbow when leaning on a hard surface gradually leads to swelling in the bursa.
• A bacterial infection in the sac may lead to inflammation due to:
  • Injury
  • broken skin due to a wound, scrape or insect bite
• Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can lead to olecranon bursitis.

Symptoms of elbow pain include but are not limited to:

• Pain when moving the elbow
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth

• Several questions will be asked about the elbow pain (location, intensity, aggravators/relievers).
• A few simple tests can be done to see the strength and movement of the elbow joint.

While the above steps can quickly diagnose olecranon bursitis, an x-ray scan may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Also, your doctor may request a fluid test to determine the cause of bursitis.

Treatments for olecranon bursitis include:

• Fluid drainage from the elbow (if due to an infection)
• Antibiotics (if due to an infection)
• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation
• Rest the elbow from pressure
• Use an ice pack to reduce the swelling
• Steroid injection for temporary pain relief for severe or chronic cases
• Surgery to remove the bursa for severe or chronic cases

Get early treatment to avoid more damage to the elbow and prevent recurrences, so the condition does not become chronic.

• Modify Activities That Require You To Put Pressure On Your Elbow.
• Use Elbow Pads To Give Protection, Especially When Leaning On The Elbow Is Unavoidable.

For all your Olecranon Bursitis needs, feel free to give us a call on 02 9793 8840 or Book Online