Inflamed olecranon bursa: what should you know?

The olecranon bursa sits between the elbow’s pointed bone and the skin. Repeated leaning, a knock, pressure, or irritation can make it enlarge. Bending the elbow may feel uncomfortable, and the skin can become warm or red. Elbow swelling is one feature clinicians assess alongside pain, movement, skin changes, and your recent activities. You can read more about [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/).

An infection can also inflame a bursa. A sudden change in swelling, increasing warmth, drainage, fever, or feeling unwell needs prompt assessment because treatment differs from simple irritation.

Avoid leaning on the elbow and temporarily modify activities that repeatedly press or strike it. Rest the joint in a comfortable position, use a wrapped cold pack for short periods, and protect the area with padding. Do not puncture or squeeze the swelling at home.

A clinician may recommend an [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) when suitable for you. If fluid needs testing or removal, [Joint Aspiration](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/joint-aspiration/) may be considered. A [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) is not appropriate when infection is suspected and should only be discussed after an examination.

Arrange medical review if the swelling keeps returning, restricts elbow movement, follows an injury, or does not settle after pressure is removed. Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing redness or warmth, severe pain, pus or other drainage, fever, red streaks, or feeling faint or very unwell. These signs can point to infection or a more serious injury.

Ask: Could this be infected? Does the fluid need testing? Which activities should I pause, and how should I protect the elbow? What symptoms should prompt urgent review? If the swelling returns, what treatment options are suitable?