Elbow bursitis (aka olecranon bursitis or “popeye elbow”) is the inflammation of the jelly-like fluid filled sac called the olecranon bursa that sits over the bony point of the elbow and allows the skin and soft tissues to move freely over the bone.
Symptoms
- Swelling over bony tip (olecranon process) of elbow that resembles a golf ball,
- Point tenderness when touched or with direct pressure
- Restricted motion of elbow
- Redness
- Warm to touch
- Fever, chills/sweats (if infection)
Causes
- Trauma resulting in direct blow to tip of elbow
- Prolonged pressure on elbows
- Overuse of the elbow
- Infection in area (called septic bursitis)
- Medical condition such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or kidney problems requiring patients to be on dialysis
Risk Factors
- Occupation requiring a lot of time being spent on your elbows such as a plumber, AC repairman, mechanic
- Prolonged computer use placing excessive pressure on elbows
- More common in older adults and males
Prevention
- The use of elbow pads if there is risk of a direct blow to area
- Orthopedic computer mouse pads to take pressure off of elbows
- Avoid resting on elbows
Diagnosis
- Physician exam
- X-rays to rule out fracture or bone spur
- Aspiration of area and fluid/blood testing for infection
Treatment
- Most treated conservatively without surgery
- Non-surgical treatment:
- Compression wrap to area
- Elbow pads to avoid further trauma
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Aspirate or drain fluid if necessary
- Sling if necessary
- Avoid lifting, repeptive elbow motion, and pressure on the elbows
- Corticosteroid injection
- Physical therapy to restore full motion of elbow
- Surgical removal of bursa pad
- Splint while healing and then introduce physical therapy to restore full range of motion of elbow
