Will it Go Away on Its Own?
Elbow (olecranon) bursitis is a condition in which a fluid filled sac at the tip of the elbow is inflamed. This can be due to a variety of things, such as trauma, repetitive pressure, or underlying medical conditions.
One might notice an obvious area of swelling over the tip of the elbow. In addition, enough swelling can cause the bursa to stretch and be painful.
Luckily, most cases of elbow bursitis will go away on its own and can be treated at home.
What Can I Do at Home?
First off, rest the elbow by avoiding the activities that caused the inflammation in the first place. It will help speed along recovery to stop the aggravating activity. Long term activity changes should be considered for things like exercise or working on a computer.
The second thing one can begin is contrast therapy.This is the act of alternating ice and heat to improve inflammation and reduce stiffness.
This paired with an OTC pain reliever or NSAIDs will help reduce symptoms. An elbow pad can be considered to cushion the area from further irritation.
Next, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow. Building strength can help reduce reoccurring symptoms. Always remember to consult your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise program.
When Should I See My Doctor?
A corticosteroid injection could be helpful to reduce the amount of pain and swelling in the area.
An aspiration is a procedure in which a needle is used to drain fluid from the affected area. This can be a beneficial treatment option for both pain relief and to determine if there is an infection in the area.
It is important to note that you should never attempt an aspiration at home due to the high risk of infection if not done in a sterile environment.
Can You Prevent Elbow Bursitis?
Prevention of anything is difficult, especially when the cause is from overuse. Learning proper techniques for activities and avoiding direct pressure to the area are your first lines of defense. Similarly, resting the elbow from repetitive tasks and using protective padding can reduce the swelling of the bursa.
To sum it up, elbow bursitis does have the potential to go away on its own with treatment. Keep in mind that you will need to actively monitor the elbow and be mindful of how you use your arm while it is healing. If you are prone to bursitis, life-long changes to improve your posture or learn new techniques for activities can help avoid re-injury for the future.
Written by Riki Duncan, MA.Ed
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/elbow-olecranon-bursitis
https://www.healthline.com/health/sports-injuries/elbow-bursitis#prevention
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10918-bursitis/prevention