About olecranon bursitis
A bursa is a thin, slippery sac that lets skin glide over bone. The olecranon bursa sits just under the skin at the point of the elbow. When it becomes irritated, it fills with fluid and swells into a soft bump that can look alarming but is often not very painful.
The swelling can come from a single hard knock, from leaning on the elbow for long periods, or from conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes bacteria get into the bursa through a small scrape, which turns a simple swelling into an infection.
Most non-infected cases improve with time and protection. Knowing whether infection is present is the most important early step, because that changes treatment right away.
Common symptoms
- A soft, fluid-filled swelling at the point of the elbow
- Mild ache or tenderness, especially when leaning on the elbow
- Swelling that can grow slowly or appear quickly after a bump
- Warmth, redness, spreading pain, or fever when infection is present
Common causes and risk factors
- Leaning on hard surfaces, such as desks or tables, for long periods
- A direct blow or fall onto the tip of the elbow
- Sports and jobs that involve frequent elbow contact with the ground
- Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions
- A cut or scrape over the elbow that lets bacteria in
How we diagnose it
Our physicians examine the elbow and ask about recent injuries, pressure, skin breaks, and fever. Diagnostic ultrasound at the exam table confirms that the swelling is fluid in the bursa, shows how much is there, and helps separate bursitis from other lumps or joint problems. If infection or gout is a concern, we can draw fluid under ultrasound and send it for testing. An X-ray may be ordered after a fall to look for a fracture or a bone spur.
How Propel treats olecranon bursitis
For non-infected bursitis, treatment usually begins with avoiding pressure on the elbow, using an elbow pad, short-term compression, and ice. Many swellings slowly shrink on their own over several weeks.
When the bursa stays large or keeps getting in the way, we can drain it with a needle under ultrasound guidance, which improves accuracy and comfort. Infected bursitis needs antibiotics and close follow-up, and a bursa that keeps coming back despite these steps may need a surgeon to remove it. A red, hot, painful elbow with fever should be seen the same day.
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Questions about olecranon bursitis
- Should I drain the fluid at home?
- No. Puncturing the bursa at home can introduce bacteria and cause a serious infection. Drainage should be done in a clean setting, ideally under ultrasound.
- How can I tell if my elbow bursitis is infected?
- Warning signs include increasing redness, heat, significant pain, pus, red streaks up the arm, or fever and chills. Any of these deserve same-day medical care.
- Will the swelling come back after it is drained?
- It can, especially if pressure on the elbow continues. Padding, avoiding leaning on the elbow, and a short period of compression after drainage help lower the chance of refilling.