Elbow bursitis: symptoms and treatment

The olecranon bursa cushions the point of the elbow. Repeated leaning, a knock, prolonged pressure, inflammatory arthritis, or infection can make it enlarge. The swelling may feel soft or tense and can limit comfortable bending. Pain can be present, but a painless lump can also occur. Redness, warmth, marked tenderness, drainage, or fever raises concern for infection and needs clinical assessment. A clinician may examine the skin and joint movement and may sample fluid when the cause is uncertain.

Avoid leaning on the elbow and use padding for activities that place pressure on the tip. Relative rest, a cold pack wrapped in cloth, and elevation may reduce a flare. Do not puncture or drain the swelling at home. A clinician may discuss anti-inflammatory medication when it is suitable for your health history. Joint aspiration can help test or remove fluid in selected cases; persistent or recurrent problems may prompt discussion of other options, including bursa removal.

Arrange prompt medical review for redness, heat, rapidly increasing swelling, drainage, fever, chills, or feeling unwell. Seek urgent care if severe pain follows an injury, the elbow cannot move, or the hand develops numbness, weakness, or unusual colour or temperature. Even without red flags, book an appointment if the lump persists, returns repeatedly, or interferes with work or sleep.

Does the swelling look more consistent with pressure, inflammation, injury, or infection? Do I need fluid testing? Which pain medicines are safe with my medical history? How should I protect the elbow, and when would aspiration or bursa removal be considered?