In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about elbow bursitis and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
What is Olecranon Bursa?
The elbow bursa, or olecranon bursa, is a fluid-filled sac located at the bony tip of the elbow (olecranon). Its main function is to allow smooth gliding of the olecranon bone with the soft tissues during elbow movement. When this bursa becomes inflamed, it is called olecranon bursitis. Because the bursa is superficial, it is more susceptible to trauma or direct pressure. This condition is also known as tennis elbow, student’s elbow, Popeye elbow, or plumber’s elbow.1, 2, 3
Common Causes of Olecranon Bursa
Elbow bursitis is most often caused by infection, trauma, or overuse. Direct blows, repetitive pressure, or injury to the elbow can inflame the bursa. Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, alcohol use, HIV, and psoriatic arthritis also increase risk. Occupations or activities that involve leaning on the elbows (e.g., plumbers, students, typists) are more prone to this condition.
Infection can occur if bacteria enter the bursa through a break in the skin (puncture, insect bite, scrape). If untreated, the fluid can become pus, leading to septic bursitis.4 Most infections spread through the skin, not the bloodstream.
If you notice new pain or swelling in your elbow, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Symptoms of Olecranon (Elbow) Bursitis
- Elbow pain radiating to the back or tip of the elbow
- Swelling (may look like a golf ball at the elbow tip)
- Limited range of motion due to pain
- Redness and tenderness (especially if infected)
- Fever (in cases of septic bursitis)
How is Olecranon Bursitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical exam, and sometimes imaging (X-rays) or blood tests. The gold standard is bursal fluid analysis and aspiration, especially to rule out infection. Fluid is tested for bacteria, cell count, crystals, and other markers.7
Treatment Options for Olecranon Bursitis
Treatment depends on whether the bursitis is infectious or noninfectious. For mild cases, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are recommended. NSAIDs (ibuprofen) and topical anesthetics can help with pain and swelling. Elastic bandages or elbow pads may be used to protect the area. Corticosteroid injections may be considered but carry a risk of infection.
If symptoms persist for more than six months or if there is severe pain, surgery (bursectomy) may be required to remove the bursa or bone spurs.8, 9
Elbow Bursitis Surgery
Surgery is rare and reserved for cases unresponsive to conservative treatment or severe infection. The procedure is outpatient, and recovery takes about a month with a splint or brace.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Elbow Bursitis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with Elbow Bursitis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of Elbow Bursitis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Septic Bursitis Treatment
Septic bursitis requires antibiotics, which must be taken for the full prescribed duration. Fluid aspiration may be performed to remove pus. Severe infections may require surgical removal of the bursa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does elbow bursitis take to heal?
Most cases resolve with rest and self-care in 3–6 weeks. Septic bursitis may require antibiotics and can take longer.
What happens if bursitis is left untreated?
Chronic bursitis can cause thickening of the bursa, constant pain, limited movement, and muscle atrophy.
What can be mistaken for elbow bursitis?
Gout, ligament rupture, elbow fracture, tendon rupture, cellulitis, abscess, neoplasm, and other causes of elbow swelling and tenderness.10
What does elbow bursitis pain feel like?
Swelling and pain that worsens with elbow movement. The pain is often described as aching or throbbing, especially when flexing or extending the arm.11
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Elbow Bursitis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Elbow Bursitis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- Blackwell, J. R., Hay, B. A., Bolt, A. M., & Hay, S. (2014). Olecranon bursitis: a systematic overview. Shoulder & Elbow, 6(3), 182–190. https://doi.org/10.1177/1758573214532787
- Choudhury, M., et al. (2018). Olecranon Bursitis. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470291/
- ProHealth Clinic. Elbow Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments. prohealthclinic.co.uk
- Case studies and further reading available upon request.