Elbow - What is Olecranon Bursitis?

Elbow - What is Olecranon Bursitis?

Fight Elbow Swelling: Your Path to Recovery

Olecranon Bursitis is a common condition that affects the elbow, in which the Olecranon Bursa, a fluid-filled sac located at the tip of the elbow is inflamed or irritated. The bursa serves as a cushion between the bone and skin, helping reduce friction and allowing smooth movement. When it gets inflamed, it fills with excess fluid and leads to a noticeable swelling which affects the movement capacity along the joint.

In a healthy state, the bursa allows the elbow to move freely without friction. However, when inflammation sets in, it causes pain, swelling, and discomfort, often limiting the range of motion and function of the elbow.

How does it Happen?

1. Direct Trauma or Injury: A direct blow to the elbow, such as from a fall or an impact during sports, can cause the bursa to become irritated or injured, leading to Bursitis.

2. Repetitive Pressure: Activities that involve prolonged pressure on the elbows, such as leaning on hard surfaces and frequent elbow bending can increase the likelihood of developing Bursitis – often associated with jobs or habits.

3. Infection: In some cases, the Olecranon Bursa can become infected, a condition known as Septic Bursitis. This is usually caused by a puncture wound or skin abrasion that allows bacteria to enter the bursa.

4. Inflammatory Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Systemic Lupus or other inflammatory conditions can increase the likelihood of Bursitis. 

5. Age and Overuse: As people age, the risk of developing Olecranon Bursitis increases due to the natural wear and tear on joints. Overuse of the elbow in repetitive motions or activities can also strain the Bursa.

Who is at Risk?

While Olecranon Bursitis can affect anyone, it’s more common in:

1. Workers in Certain Professions: People who perform tasks that require prolonged pressure on their elbows (e.g., plumbers, construction workers) are more prone to developing this condition.

2. Athletes: Particularly those who engage in contact sports especially that place repetitive strain on the elbows (people who are in sports where they have to throw, tennis players, or weightlifters)

3. People with Underlying Health Conditions: Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, or Diabetes may be at a greater risk due to the increased susceptibility to joint inflammation.

4. Elderly Individuals: Age-related degeneration and less efficient healing can make older adults more prone to Olecranon Bursitis.

What are the symptoms?

It can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation but typically include:

1. Swelling at the back of the elbow, often a visible lump or swelling at the tip of the elbow, which may increase in size over time.

2. Limited mobility as the inflammation can make it difficult to fully straighten or bend the elbow.

3. Bruising: Sometimes, if the Bursitis is caused by trauma, bruising can appear around the elbow.

4. Pain or tenderness, especially on touch or during certain movement.

5. Redness and warmth - In cases where the bursitis is caused by infection

Physiotherapist's Role

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing olecranon bursitis, particularly in reducing pain, improving function, and preventing recurrence.

1. Hands-On Therapy:

At Chester’s Best Clinic for Elbow Injuries, we love using Manual Therapy techniques, such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage, to reduce stiffness and improve blood flow to the affected area. This helps promote healing and alleviate the discomfort associated with Bursitis.

Techniques like Ultrasound Therapy may be used to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

In some cases, Relive Physiotherapists may use Kinesiotaping (link to blog) or recommend elbow braces to provide additional support during the healing process. These methods can help reduce the strain on the Bursa while still allowing for some movement.

2. Managing Inflammation:

Rest: In the early stages of Bursitis, it's essential to give the elbow time to rest. Avoid activities that aggravate the condition, such as leaning on the elbow or repetitive movements.

Ice Application: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours helps reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Restoring Movement:

Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, we will guide you through gentle range-of-motion exercises. These exercises help maintain elbow mobility and prevent stiffness. 

4. Targeted Muscle Strengthening:

Strengthening the muscles around the elbow joint is vital for long-term recovery. Our Physiotherapists may recommend exercises targeting the forearm and upper arm muscles to provide better support to the elbow. Strengthening exercises help improve function and reduce the likelihood of further irritation of the Bursa.

5. Optimizing Posture and Activity: 

Relive Physiotherapists often provide guidance on posture and body mechanics to reduce stress on the elbow. 

Recognising the Need for Further Medical Care?

If the symptoms of Olecranon Bursitis persist or worsen despite treatment, or if signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, or pus) develop, it's important to seek medical attention. In some cases, more invasive treatments such as aspiration of fluid, Corticosteroid Injections, or even surgery may be necessary.

Olecranon Bursitis can be a painful and limiting condition, but with the right management, especially through Physiotherapy, individuals can regain function and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. 

Remember, while Physiotherapy can address many of the functional aspects of Olecranon Bursitis, it’s crucial to follow a comprehensive treatment plan that may include rest, ice, and in some cases, medical intervention. By staying proactive and working with a skilled healthcare provider, you can recover from Olecranon Bursitis and return to your daily activities with greater ease.

Happy recovery!