Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
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.
Table of Contents
What is Elbow Bursitis?
Elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, is the inflammation of the bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow. The bursa cushions the bone and soft tissue, reducing friction during movement. When inflamed, it causes pain, swelling, and sometimes redness, making it difficult to rest your elbow or perform daily activities.
Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis
- Swelling at the back of the elbow (may appear suddenly or gradually)
- Pain or tenderness, especially when leaning on the elbow
- Redness or warmth over the bursa (may indicate infection)
- Limited range of motion if swelling is severe
- Occasionally, fever or pus if the bursa is infected
Symptoms may worsen with pressure or repetitive elbow movements.
Causes & Risk Factors
Elbow bursitis can be triggered by:
- Repetitive pressure: Leaning on hard surfaces or frequent elbow use
- Direct trauma: A blow or fall onto the elbow
- Infection: Bacteria entering through a cut or scrape
- Medical conditions: Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory diseases
- Age-related changes
Manual workers, athletes, and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk1.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Your clinician may:
- Check for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion in the elbow
- Ask about recent injuries, repetitive activities, or infections
- Order imaging (ultrasound or X-ray) to rule out fractures or arthritis
- Occasionally, take a sample of bursa fluid to check for infection
Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent complications and chronic pain.
Home Treatment & Exercises for Elbow Bursitis
Most cases of elbow bursitis improve with simple home care and gentle exercises:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate pain or swelling.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling (not too tight).
- Elevation: Keep your elbow raised above heart level when possible.
- Pain relief: Take NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) as advised by your doctor.
- Protect the elbow: Use a padded sleeve or cushion when resting your arm.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises: Flex and extend your elbow slowly, 10-15 times, 2-3 times daily to prevent stiffness.
- Forearm stretches: Gently stretch the forearm muscles to maintain flexibility.
Tip: Avoid leaning on your elbow or engaging in activities that cause pain until symptoms resolve2.
Medical Treatments for Elbow Bursitis
If home care does not relieve symptoms, additional treatments may include:
- Physical therapy: Tailored exercises and manual therapy to restore movement and strength.
- Corticosteroid injections: For short-term relief in severe or persistent cases.
- Antibiotics: If the bursa is infected.
- Aspiration: Draining excess fluid from the bursa (performed by a clinician).
- Prolotherapy: See below for details.
- Surgery: Rarely needed, only for chronic or severe cases.
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 benefits3.
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.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Prolotherapy for Chronic Elbow Bursitis
Background: A 50-year-old manual worker with a year-long history of elbow swelling and pain.
Treatment: After two prolotherapy sessions at ProHealth Clinic, pain reduced by 80% and swelling resolved within 4 weeks.
Outcome: At 6-month follow-up, the patient remained pain-free and active.
Case Study 2: Exercise and Prolotherapy Combination
Background: A 38-year-old office worker with persistent elbow pain failed to improve with rest alone.
Treatment: After adding prolotherapy and gentle exercises, pain scores dropped from 7/10 to 1/10, and function was fully restored within 2 months.
Outcome: The patient returned to normal activities and reported no recurrence at 1-year follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does elbow bursitis take to heal?
Most people recover within 2-6 weeks with self-care. Chronic cases may take longer, especially if underlying issues are not addressed.
Is exercise safe with elbow bursitis?
Yes, gentle range-of-motion and stretching exercises are recommended. Avoid activities that cause sharp pain.
What is the success rate of prolotherapy for elbow bursitis?
Clinical experience and research show high success rates, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function3.
Can elbow bursitis return after treatment?
Recurrence is possible if underlying causes (e.g., repetitive pressure) are not addressed. Prolotherapy aims to provide a permanent solution by treating the root cause.
When should I see a specialist?
If pain persists despite self-care, or if you have fever, redness, or pus, see a specialist for assessment and advanced treatment options.
Is surgery ever needed for elbow bursitis?
Surgery is rarely required. Most cases respond well to conservative treatments, including prolotherapy.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let elbow bursitis control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
- Phone: Call Us Now
- Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
Our Clinic Locations
- London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
- Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
- Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH
All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
References
- Smith DL, McAfee JH, Lucas LM, Kumar KL, Romney DM. Olecranon bursitis: an analysis of 43 cases. Arthritis Rheum. 1989;32(9):1107-1113. View Study
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Bursitis of the Elbow. Patient Resource
- Rabago D, Slattengren A, Zgierska A. Prolotherapy in Primary Care Practice. Prim Care. 2010;37(1):65-80. View Study
- Stenhouse G, Sookur P, Watson M. Prolotherapy in the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(7):379-383. View Study
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.