Elbow bursitis, also called olecranon bursitis, causes fluid to collect in a sac that lies behind the elbow, called the olecranon bursa. A bursa is a slippery, sac-like tissue that normally allows smooth movement around bony prominences, such as the point behind the elbow. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the sac fills with fluid. This can cause pain and a noticeable swelling behind the elbow.
Elbow bursitis may follow a traumatic accident, such as a fall onto the back of the elbow, or it may seemingly pop up out of nowhere. People who rest their elbows on hard surfaces may aggravate the condition and make the swelling more prominent.
The swelling and inflammation can be the result of an infection within the bursa, this is called infected elbow bursitis. Patients with systemic inflammatory conditions, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis, are also at increased risk of developing infected elbow bursitis.
The common symptoms of the infection within th bursa can be fevers,chills or sweats,significant redness around the back of the elbow,breaks in the skin around the swollen area, should there be such symptoms appears, please consult your orthopaedic surgeon, alterntively, you can call +65 6471 2675 for an appointment with Dr Kevin Yip, who has many years experience in this conditions.
What are the treatments for Olecranon Bursitis?
The first step of treatment is accomplished by draining the fluid from the swollen bursa. This is done in the doctor’s office using a needle to aspirate (suck out) the fluid from the swollen bursa. Alternatively, a cortisone injection may apply. Some condtion can be control or relief by an anti-inflammatory medicatins. Usually the fluid in thr bursa will be draw and sent for analysis, the treatments of infected bursitis requires repeated drainage of the fluid, antibiotic treatment and sometimes a surgical procedure to remove the infected bursa.
There are different treatments depending on condition which Dr.Kevin yip will advise during the consultation, if there is a need for a treatment or surgery. For an appointment with Dr.Kevin yip please call +65 6471 2675(24hours).