Elbow bursitis is a painful condition that can interfere with your daily life. And it’s one more condition that the team of experts at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine diagnoses and treats – getting you back to your favorite activities pain-free.
Elbow bursitis (also called olecranon bursitis) is when the bursa sacs in your elbow become inflamed or irritated. These bursa sacs, found throughout your body, act as a cushion between joints and muscles, tendons and bones.
The bursa sac in your elbow is called the olecranon bursa. It provides a layer between the skin and pointy bone in your elbow. When the olecranon bursa becomes very inflamed, it can make your elbow swollen and large, leading to the condition’s nickname “Popeye’s elbow.”
The most common causes of a swollen elbow include:
The most common symptoms of olecranon bursitis include:
A swollen elbow caused by olecranon bursitis can usually be treated with a conservative approach. Your orthopedic specialist may recommend any of the following treatments:
If pain and swelling continue after a conservative approach, or your bursa repeatedly becomes inflamed, your doctor may recommend surgery. During surgery, your surgeon will remove your bursa to decrease you pain and discomfort.
You may be at higher risk of developing elbow bursitis if you:
You may not be able to completely prevent a swollen elbow from bursitis, but you can lower your risk:
The specialists at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are here to help you return to your daily activities – free of pain. To learn more or make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.
URGENT INJURY CARE: Multiple locations, seven days a week.