What is an olecranon bursitis?

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What is olecranon bursitis?

Olecranon bursitis causes significant swelling (like a ‘golf ball’) and pain at the back of the elbow (see images below in article). The pain is aggravated by bending the elbow and is particularly painful if you lean on the point of the elbow. The hallmark sign is swelling and this can be quite substantial causing significant inconvenience carrying out your daily tasks. On occasion the swelling is not associated with pain.

Olecranon bursitis can occur following a fall onto the point of the elbow or can occur for no reason. If you have redness and significant heat on the elbow the bursa may be infected. If this is the case you must have your elbow assessed by a doctor immediately, to get started on antibiotics. In a majority of cases the pain and swelling resolves spontaneously over many weeks. However, on occasion the pain and swelling can remain. If so, an ultrasound guided procedure can be carried out to drain the fluid and inject a small amount of steroid to reduce pain and ensure the swelling does not return.

What are the symptoms of olecranon bursitis?

The symptoms of olecranon bursitis are:

Pain and an obvious swelling at the back of the elbow
Pain if you bend your elbow or lean on the point of your elbow
Redness and heat associated with swelling and pain – if this is the case you must see a doctor immediately as you may have an infected bursa.