Olecranon Bursitis
Olecranon bursitis or elbow bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac). This bursa is present behind the elbow joint (olecranon process that is a pointy bone). You can feel a squishy lump on the backside of your elbow.
Generally, it occurs due to direct below on your elbow or you are exerting too much pressure on your elbow against a hard surface.
Causes
- Trauma or injury like fall on the back of the elbow
- Too much pressure on your elbow against a hard surface or leaning on your elbow.
- Infection in your bursa
- Other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc
Symptoms
- Pain in the back of your elbow
- Tenderness
- Swelling over the tip of your elbow ( backside of the elbow)
- Restricted range of movement
- Redness
- In case of infarction, you can also feel fever and there can be pus formation
Diagnosis
- Physical examination by your doctor and your doctor will also ask about your medical history and about your symptoms
- X-ray evaluates the fracture, bone spur, or any bony injury
- Blood investigation to check for infections
- Examination of the fluid ( aspirate with the help of a needle from the inflames bursa)
Treatment
- Protects your elbow cushion your elbow or wear padded support or brace
- Avoid pressure activities
- Medication to reduce your pain and inflammation. Antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor
- Inflammation or swelling managed with corticosteroid injections
- Aspiration/draining of the fluid with the help of a needle
