What should you know about draining a bursitis elbow?

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction around a joint. Repeated pressure, injury, inflammatory disease, or infection can make it enlarge and tender. During aspiration, a clinician cleans the skin, places a needle into the bursa, and removes fluid; the sample may be examined when infection or another cause needs clarification. Drainage can reduce pressure, but fluid may return if the irritation continues.

Arrange an examination before attempting to drain the swelling. Protect the elbow from leaning and repeated impact, and use only recommended pain relief. Depending on the findings, care may include [Joint Aspiration](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/joint-aspiration/), [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/), or a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/). A suspected infected bursa needs a different plan from simple irritation.

Seek prompt medical care if the elbow is hot, increasingly red, rapidly enlarging, very painful, or associated with fever, chills, drainage from the skin, or feeling unwell. Urgent assessment is also needed after a wound or bite near the swelling. Do not puncture the bursa at home because this can introduce infection.

Ask whether the fluid should be tested, what findings suggest infection, how the area will be dressed, and which activities to avoid afterward. Discuss recurrence prevention, medication choices, warning signs, and what will happen if swelling returns.