This surgery may be combined with further use of oral or intravenous antibiotics. The bursa usually grows back as a non-inflamed, normally functioning bursa over a period of several months. If the bursa is infected and it does not improve with antibiotics or by removing fluid from the elbow, surgery to remove the entire bursa may be needed. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010. Reproduced and modified from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4.

However, some patients do not have any relief of symptoms with corticosteroid injections. In some patients, corticosteroid injections work well to relieve pain and swelling. The steroid medication is an anti-inflammatory drug that is stronger than the medication that can be taken by mouth. If swelling and pain do not respond to these measures after 3 to 6 weeks, your doctor may recommend removing fluid from the bursa and injecting a corticosteroid medication into the bursa. Oral medications such as ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories may be used to reduce swelling and relieve your symptoms. Avoid activities that cause direct pressure to your swollen elbow. An elbow pad may be used to cushion your elbow. If the bursitis is not from an infection, there are several management options. The antibiotic that your doctor prescribes at this point will treat a number of possible infections. This is done to prevent the infection from progressing. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before the exact type of infection is identified.

This also lets your doctor know if a specific antibiotic is needed to fight the infection. Fluid removal helps relieve symptoms and gives your doctor a sample that can be looked at in a laboratory to identify if any bacteria are present. This is commonly performed as an office procedure. If your doctor suspects that bursitis is due to an infection, he or she may recommend aspirating (removing the fluid from) the bursa with a needle. Medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, are associated with elbow bursitis. Occasionally, the bursa sac may become infected without an obvious injury to the skin. If the infection goes untreated, the fluid may turn to pus. The infected bursa produces fluid, redness, swelling, and pain.

Infection. If an injury at the tip of the elbow breaks the skin, such as an insect bite, scrape, or puncture wound, bacteria may get inside the bursa sac and cause an infection. People in certain occupations are especially vulnerable, particularly plumbers or heating and air conditioning technicians who have to crawl on their knees in tight spaces and lean on their elbows.Ĭertain athletic activities may also prompt the development of olecranon bursitis, such as long holds of the plank position. Typically, this type of bursitis develops over several months. Prolonged pressure. Leaning on the tip of the elbow for long periods of time on hard surfaces, such as a tabletop, may cause the bursa to swell. Trauma. A hard blow to the tip of the elbow can cause the bursa to produce excess fluid and swell. Elbow bursitis can occur for a number of reasons.

Knee effusion treatment