# Elbow Bursitis

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/elbow-bursitis/
- Published: 2019-01-18T18:28:14-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Elbow Bursitis

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### Elbow Bursitis Overview

Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the elbow bursa—a fluid filled sac that cushions
the elbow joint. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates(
CONA) elbow specialist should be made when elbow bursitis symptoms are experienced.

## **Symptoms & Causes**

Elbow bursitis symptoms include:

 * Pain
 * Redness
 * Swelling
 * Warmness

Elbow bursitis causes are:

 * A direct fall on the elbow
 * A direct blow to the elbow
 * Infection
 * Medical conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
 * Prolonged pressure (i.e. prolonged leaning on the elbow)

## **Common Treatments:**

Nonsurgical treatment options treat the overwhelming majority of elbow bursitis 
cases. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA elbow specialist may recommend:

 * Activity changes or modifications
 * Antibiotics
 * Elbows pads
 * Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

If bursitis symptoms do not improve, a CONA specialist may be recommended removing
fluid from the joint. In rare cases, an infected bursa may need to be surgically
removed.

## **Diagnosis:**

A CONA elbow specialist makes an accurate elbow bursitis diagnosis. First, a discussion
about the patient’s condition and symptoms takes place. Next, a thorough physical
examination is performed. If needed, x-rays are taken to rule out a fracture. Sometime,
a small fluid sample may be collected and tested in a laboratory.