Elbow bursitis

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Inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled cushion in the form of a bag located in the joint between bones, muscles and tendons. Its function is to reduce friction and promote movement between them.

It is caused by overuse of the joint or continued pressure on the elbow.

It manifests with pain and swelling of the elbow.

The diagnosis is made by clinical questioning and examination of the elbow. If there are doubts about the cause, it may be necessary to perform puncture and analysis of the joint fluid.

Treatment is based on a combination of rest with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs and joint protection. 

Bibliographic references
  1. Derrick J Todd. Bursitis: An overview of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. UpToDate. Abril 2016
  2. Ho G Jr. Septic bursitis in the prepatellar and olecranon bursae: an analysis of 25 cases. Ann Intern Med 1978; 89:21.
  3. Shell D. Septic olecranon bursitis: recognition and treatment. J Am Board Fam Pract 1995; 8:217.
  4. Smith DL. Treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis. A controlled, blinded prospective trial. Arch Intern Med 1989; 149:2527.
  5. Carol A. Langford. Trastornos periarticulares de las extremidades Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 398
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Elbow pain


    Swollen elbow


    Moving the elbow is difficult


    Swollen limb


    Joint pain both during movement and rest

Symptoms to watch out for

Joint deformity
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Inability to perform movements with the joint

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Avoid sudden movements.