Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis also known as Students elbow or Olecranon bursitis is the inflammation and swelling of the bursa which protects the bone at the back of the elbow.
Traumatic or repetitive impacts to this area can result in pain and a large swelling at the back of the joint as the bursa swells up.
Elbow Bursitis Symptoms
- Elbow pain at rest and during exercise.
- A painful swelling on the back of the elbow.
- Limited mobility in the elbow.
A bursa is a sack of fluid which helps to prevent friction between bones and the soft tissue over the top. Inflammation or bleeding into a bursa can cause it to become inflamed and painful. This may occur from one sudden impact (such as being hit by a ball), or from repetitive friction. The condition is often called student's elbow as repeatedly leaning on the elbows whilst studying can result in this injury.
Prevention
- Wear elbow guards if playing a game such as cricket where you can get hit on the elbow.
- Wear a padded elbow support if you are doing activities what require putting pressure.
- Do not spend long periods of time leaning on the elbows.
Elbow Bursitis Treatment
What can you do to combat elbow pain?
- Rest and apply ice or cold therapy.
- See a sports injury professional.
- You may be recommended to take anti-inflammatory medication.
What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?
- Aspirate the bursa (stick a needle in and suck off the fluid).
- Immobilize the arm.
- Give a steroid injection
- Operate.
