Olecranon Bursitis
Olecranon Bursitis in San Antonio, TX
A soft, swollen bump on the back of your elbow can appear suddenly or build up slowly. Olecranon bursitis is a common cause of this swelling, and while it is often not serious, signs of infection need prompt attention.
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, with fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine. You can schedule an evaluation at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your elbow swelling and the options that may fit your goals.
What Is Olecranon Bursitis?
Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sac (bursa) that sits between the skin and the bony tip of your elbow, called the olecranon. Normally the bursa is flat and lets the skin glide over the bone. When irritated, it fills with fluid and forms a visible, sometimes painful, swelling. It is sometimes called "student's elbow" or "Popeye elbow."
Types and Causes of Olecranon Bursitis
- Pressure or overuse: Leaning on your elbows on hard surfaces for long periods
- Injury: A direct blow or fall onto the tip of the elbow
- Infection (septic bursitis): Bacteria enter through a cut, scrape or insect bite
- Inflammatory conditions: Gout or rheumatoid arthritis can inflame the bursa
Symptoms of Olecranon Bursitis
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling at the back of your elbow, sometimes the size of a golf ball
- Pain or tenderness, especially when leaning on the elbow
- Limited elbow motion if swelling is large
- Redness and warmth over the area
Fever, spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain or drainage may be signs of infection and need prompt medical care.
How Olecranon Bursitis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually involves a history and exam of your elbow. X-rays may be used to check for a bone spur or fracture. If infection or gout is a concern, fluid may be drawn from the bursa with a needle and tested.
Nonsurgical Options to Try First
Most cases improve without surgery. Options may include:
- Avoiding pressure on the elbow
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Elbow padding or a compression wrap
- Draining fluid with a needle in some patients
- Antibiotics if infection is present
- Injections in selected non-infected cases
When Surgery May Be Recommended
Surgery may be considered when bursitis keeps coming back, does not respond to nonsurgical care, or involves an infection that does not clear with antibiotics and drainage.
Surgical Options That May Be Considered
Surgical options may include removing the inflamed bursa, called a bursectomy, which may be done through an open incision or arthroscopically. A bone spur at the tip of the elbow may also be addressed.
Recovery
With nonsurgical care, swelling often goes down over several weeks. After surgery, the elbow may be padded or splinted while the skin heals, and pressure on the elbow is avoided for a period of time. See the Postoperative Instructions and Physical Therapy Protocols pages.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Olecranon Bursitis in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which gives him a sports medicine perspective on how injuries affect your activity, work and daily life.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olecranon Bursitis
What is olecranon bursitis?
Olecranon bursitis is swelling of the fluid-filled sac at the tip of your elbow, usually from pressure, injury, infection or gout.
Is olecranon bursitis serious?
Usually not. Most cases improve with simple care, but redness, warmth, fever or drainage may mean infection and need prompt attention.
Should I drain it myself?
No. Draining it yourself can introduce infection, so drainage should only be done by a medical professional.
How long does olecranon bursitis last?
Often several weeks. Swelling usually goes down with rest and protection, though it can return.
Will I need surgery?
Probably not. Surgery is usually reserved for bursitis that keeps coming back or an infection that does not clear.
Request an Appointment
If you have swelling at the back of your elbow that won't go away, an evaluation can help you find the cause. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your olecranon bursitis options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
