Olecranon bursitis is one of the most widely known types of bursitis, and it is also referred to as elbow bursitis. This is swelling at the tip of the elbow and on the back side of the arm. Olecranon Bursitis may be painless, or it may be painful while you are resting and when you lean on it, for example, during writing and the arm is pressed on the table.
There are so many things that have been found to result in Olecranon bursitis, but the most common of all the causes are trauma, whether it is a direct blow or a small lumps or pressure which is applied over time. Olecranon bursitis is prevalent among students or office workers who have long relied on hard desks or armrests. However, the appearance of Olecranon bursitis is not dependent on age or ethnic group. The condition may also be caused by infection or autoimmune diseases.
What are the Causes of Olecranon bursitis?
There are many activities and risk factors which can lead to the occurrence of Olecranon bursitis. The major causes and risk factors are listed below:
1. Recurrent pressure on the elbow. Individuals who rest their elbows on hard surfaces on a regular basis can develop Olecranon bursitis, and hence the nickname "student’s elbow". People who often support their weight while resting on the elbows are likely to develop Olecranon bursitis, for examples individuals whose work requires them to be in that position.
2. Previous injury. Pain on the affected area which occurs as a result of fall or a blow to the elbow can cause the bursa to be filled with blood which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the bursa’s synovial membrane.
3. Another major condition. Some underline conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and pseudogout can cause inflammation of the Olecranon elbow bursa.
4. History of inflammation of the bursa. Individuals who have had bursitis in the past are more likely to have it again.
Other causes include infection and some medical conditions such as HIV / AIDS, lupus, alcoholism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes.
Symptoms of Olecranon Bursitis
You can see some of these symptoms when you have Olecranon bursitis:
1. Swelling: The first symptoms to be experienced are swelling. At the beginning you may not see the swelling as the skin on the back of the elbow can be loose. In some cases, the swelling will catch up quickly and you may notice it instantly. As the swelling increases, it may look like a golf ball at the end of the elbow.
2. Pain: When the bursa is stretched, it can cause pain in your elbows, most especially when you bend the elbows. Usually, you may feel no pain when the elbow is extended.
3. Redness or warmth: If you see redness or warmth around the areas of your elbow, this can be a sign of an infected bursa.
4. Pus: Look out for a thick, yellow or white liquid coming out of the infected bursa.
Olecranon Bursitis Treatment
Treatment for Jumper's Knee requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your elbow. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your elbow to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
