Elbow (olecranon) bursitis quiz
Take a quiz to find out what's causing your elbow (olecranon) bursitis.
Care Plan
First steps to consider
- Most cases of elbow bursitis can be treated at home.
- Try rest, ice, and taking ibuprofen (Advil).
When you may need a provider
- Your elbow bursitis does not start to improve after 2–3 weeks of home treatments
- You may also want to see a physical therapist to help strengthen and improve range of motion.
Emergency Care
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
- Severe pain when moving the elbow
- Redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the joint
What is elbow bursitis?
Elbow (olecranon) bursitis is inflammation and swelling of the elbow bursa, which is a thin fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow. The bursa can’t usually be felt or seen unless it becomes inflamed and swollen.
If the swelling is mild, you may not have any pain. But, sometimes, with more swelling, there can be pain or the back of the elbow may have a soft, golf ball shaped bump over the back of it.
Olecranon bursitis can be caused by a variety of factors such as elbow injury, infection, arthritis, leaning on the elbow too much, and strain from overuse.
Symptoms
- Swelling in the back of the elbow
- Pain in your elbow
- Fever, warmth, and/or red discoloration if it’s infected
Elbow (olecranon) bursitis quiz
Take a quiz to find out what's causing your elbow (olecranon) bursitis.
Treatment
Treatment usually includes avoiding activities, wearing a brace, and taking antiinflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil).
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