Elbow Bursitis is one of the most common orthopedic problems. Simply put, Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. A Bursa is a tiny, fluid-filled sac that is used as a non-frictional area to between tissues of your body. Most bursae are located near major joints, such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. In this case, the area affected is the elbow.
Normally the bursa acts as a cushion between the bone and the skin. The Bursa can become inflamed from an injury or infections. Injuries can be as simple as lifting a bag of groceries into the car, which can cause shoulder bursa. Scraping your knee on asphalt can cause knee bursa, and elbow bursa can be caused from gout crystals, the fluid inside the bursa.
The name of the fluid-filled sac in your elbow is called the olecranon bursa. If the elbow is hit, or if you put constant pressure against the tip of the elbow, the bursa can become inflamed or irritated. Minor injuries can lead to this sac being broken, releasing the gout crystals inside the sac throughout the elbow area. The human body reacts by swelling the area, and eventually forms a lump over the tip of the elbow.
Usually a contusion, or bruise causes swelling in the Bursa. Other symptoms for this injury are gradual swelling or long-lasting condition. Sudden swelling indicates that the injury is traumatic, and must be taken care of immediately. Red, hot skin may indicate that the elbow has become infected. The elbow may also be limited in movement if the injury is traumatic.
Diagnosis for bursitis is almost always done on a physical examination. X-rays and MRI's are usually not needed to diagnosis bursitis. X-rays may be taken to ensure there are no fractures or other problems that could be causing the pain and/or swelling. The treatment of elbow bursitis depends on whether or not there is an infection. Bursitis that has not become infected can be treated with ice packs to reduce the swelling, pain killers may also be taken as necessary, and rest is also recommended.
