Elbow Bursitis
Swelling of the fluid sac at the elbow tip
Quick Facts
- Type: Soft tissue (bursa) condition
- Location: Tip of the elbow (olecranon)
- Common causes: Pressure, injury, sometimes infection
- Key sign: Soft, swollen lump at the elbow
Overview
Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bone and skin, helping tissues glide smoothly. The bursa at the point of the elbow is called the olecranon bursa.
When this bursa becomes irritated or fills with extra fluid, it causes a soft, often painless swelling at the back of the elbow that can look like a small balloon. Elbow bursitis is usually not serious and often settles on its own, but it can sometimes become infected, which requires prompt treatment. It is sometimes nicknamed student's elbow because leaning on the elbows can trigger it.
Because the bursa sits just under the skin at the point of the elbow, even minor repeated pressure or a knock can set it off. The swelling can look alarming because of its size, but in non-infected cases it is often less painful than it appears and tends to settle once the elbow is protected from further pressure.
Symptoms
- A soft, swollen lump at the tip of the elbow
- Swelling that may develop gradually or appear suddenly after injury
- Tenderness, especially when leaning on the elbow
- Limited comfort fully bending the elbow as swelling increases
- Redness and warmth, which may suggest infection
Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pain, pus, or fever, need prompt medical attention because an infected bursa requires treatment.
In non-infected bursitis, the skin over the swelling usually looks normal in color and is not especially warm. A change to red, hot, and increasingly painful skin is an important clue that infection may be developing.
Causes
Elbow bursitis can result from several causes:
- Prolonged pressure: Repeatedly leaning on the elbows on hard surfaces.
- Injury: A blow or fall onto the tip of the elbow.
- Infection: Bacteria entering through a cut or scrape over the elbow can infect the bursa.
- Inflammatory conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Risk Factors
- Jobs or activities that involve leaning on the elbows
- Sports or work with risk of elbow trauma
- Breaks or scrapes in the skin over the elbow
- Rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- Conditions that weaken the immune system, raising infection risk
Diagnosis
A doctor usually diagnoses elbow bursitis by examining the elbow:
- Physical examination: Assessing the swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness.
- Fluid sample: Drawing fluid from the bursa to check for infection, gout crystals, or inflammation if infection is suspected.
- Imaging: X-rays if an injury or other bone problem is a concern.
If gout or rheumatoid arthritis is suspected as an underlying cause, the doctor may order blood tests or examine fluid from the bursa for crystals to guide further treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether infection is present.
- Self-care: Resting the elbow, avoiding pressure on it, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief for non-infected bursitis.
- Elbow padding: Protecting the elbow from further pressure.
- Draining fluid: A clinician may remove excess fluid if the swelling is large or to test it.
- Antibiotics: Needed if the bursa is infected.
- Surgery: Rarely, removal of the bursa for persistent or repeatedly infected cases.
Most non-infected cases improve over a few weeks with simple measures and avoiding pressure on the elbow.
Avoiding the activity or position that triggered the bursitis is key to letting it settle and preventing it from returning. If swelling keeps coming back despite these measures, your doctor can discuss further options and check for an underlying cause such as gout or arthritis.
Prevention
- Avoid leaning on your elbows for long periods
- Use elbow pads during activities that risk pressure or injury
- Clean and care for any cuts or scrapes over the elbow
- Manage gout or rheumatoid arthritis with medical care
- Take breaks and change positions during repetitive tasks
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if elbow swelling is large, painful, or does not improve, or if you are unsure of the cause. Seek prompt care for signs of infection, including:
- Increasing redness, warmth, and pain
- Pus or fluid draining from the elbow
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Swelling after a cut or scrape over the elbow
An infected bursa needs timely treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does elbow bursitis feel like?
It usually appears as a soft, swollen lump at the tip of the elbow that may be tender, especially when you lean on it. The swelling can come on gradually or suddenly after an injury and is often not very painful unless infected.
Is elbow bursitis serious?
Most cases are not serious and improve with rest and avoiding pressure on the elbow. However, an infected bursa, signaled by redness, warmth, pus, or fever, is more serious and needs prompt medical treatment.
How long does elbow bursitis take to go away?
Non-infected elbow bursitis often improves over a few weeks with rest, ice, and protecting the elbow from pressure. Infected cases may take longer and require antibiotics or drainage.
Should I drain my elbow bursitis at home?
No. Draining the bursa yourself can introduce bacteria and cause infection. If the swelling is large or needs testing, a clinician can drain it safely under sterile conditions.
When does elbow bursitis need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are needed when the bursa is infected, which may cause increasing redness, warmth, pain, pus, or fever. See a doctor promptly if you notice these signs, especially after a cut or scrape over the elbow.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis.
- Mayo Clinic. Bursitis.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Bursitis.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Bursitis.