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The human body contains many fluid-containing
sacs, or bursa, which function to decrease friction across joint areas where two different tissues rub against each other, such as the knee or elbow. These allow the movements of the body to be effortless and smooth but, when an condition or injury causes fluid to build-up
in the bursa, an individual’s ability to move can be affected.
Elbow bursitis, or medically known as olecranon bursitis, is a condition where fluid collects in
the the sac found behind the elbow, called the olecranon bursa. Elbow bursitis is known as
the most common type of bursitis. The slippery sac-like tissue of the bursa normally
functions by allowing the joints to move smoothly around the bones but, when the
elbow bursa becomes inflamed and begins to fill with fluid, the swelling behind the elbow can become significantly noticeable.
Signs and Symptoms of
Elbow Bursitis
The common signs and symptoms of elbow bursitis are
inflammation and swelling together with pain on the posterior side of the elbow. The
olecranon bursa can normally measure up to 6 cm in length but can swell larger than a golf ball. A swollen bursa in the elbow can limit mobility
and affect the range of motion of the elbow.
Individuals diagnosed with elbow bursitis may occasionally have an infection within the bursa, referred to as, infected elbow bursitis.
Redness behind the elbow, breaks in the skin surrounding the swollen area, and
fevers with chills and sweats can be signs of an elbow bursitis infection and
treatments should be followed as soon as possible.
Elbow bursitis may result by trauma from an accident, such
as falling onto the back of the elbow, or may even develop without a specified
reason. Often times, lifestyle changes can be applied to avoid further
progression of an elbow bursitis. People who rest their elbows against hard
surfaces can irritate the bursa further and provoke the condition to worsen.
Simple steps such as ice therapy to reduce the inflammation surrounding the
elbow or getting plenty of rest are common treatments used to alleviate the
signs and symptoms of elbow bursitis.
Dr. Alex Jimenez
