What is the first treatment for olecranon bursitis?

The olecranon bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion over the pointed back of the elbow. Repeated leaning, a knock, or irritation can make it swell. The area may look like a soft lump and feel tender, especially when the elbow is pressed against a surface. Infection can also affect a bursa, so appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Stop leaning on the elbow and use padding when a surface cannot be avoided. Rest from activities that repeatedly rub or strike the area, while keeping comfortable elbow movement so it does not stiffen. A clinician may recommend an anti-inflammatory medicine after reviewing your medical history and other medicines; do not self-treat if you have relevant stomach, kidney, heart, bleeding, or allergy concerns. [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) provides background. Aspiration is not automatically the first step and should be considered by a clinician when the swelling is persistent, large, or diagnostically unclear.

Arrange prompt assessment if the elbow becomes hot, increasingly red, rapidly swollen, or very painful, or if you feel feverish or unwell. These signs can indicate infection and need timely treatment. Seek urgent care after major trauma if the elbow is deformed, movement is severely restricted, or the hand becomes numb, pale, or cold.

Ask whether the bursa appears irritated or infected, how long to protect it from pressure, and whether sampling the fluid would clarify the diagnosis. If swelling keeps returning despite protection, ask about [Joint Aspiration](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/joint-aspiration/) and when [Bursa Removal](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/bursa-removal/) might be considered.