What should you know about draining olecranon bursitis?

The olecranon bursa sits between the skin and the pointed back of the elbow. Repeated leaning, a knock, inflammatory illness, or infection can make it fill with fluid. The swelling may feel soft or tense and can limit comfort when the elbow rests on a surface. A clinician checks the skin, warmth, tenderness, movement, and general symptoms; fluid testing may help distinguish infection from non-infectious inflammation.

Do not puncture or squeeze the swelling yourself. Reduce pressure on the elbow, protect any broken skin, and arrange an assessment. If aspiration is appropriate, a clinician removes fluid with sterile equipment and explains dressing and activity care. Treatment may also include [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) or [Joint Aspiration](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/joint-aspiration/). Persistent or repeatedly returning swelling may lead to discussion of [Bursa Removal](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/bursa-removal/).

Seek same-day medical advice for increasing redness, warmth, pain, rapid swelling, fever, chills, pus, or a wound near the elbow. These features can accompany an infected bursa and should not be managed by home drainage. Seek urgent help if you feel faint, severely unwell, or cannot move the arm after an injury.

Ask whether the bursa appears infected, whether fluid should be sent for testing, and what care is needed after aspiration. Discuss elbow protection, recurrence prevention, medicine safety, follow-up timing, and when a surgical option would be considered.