Last updated on 21 July 2019 by Danniel Jacques (B.Med.Sci UNSW)
What is Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)?
Olecranon bursitis is the proper name for the inflammatory condition ‘elbow bursitis’. Elbow pain due to olecranon bursitis occurs when a small bursa within the elbow (which normally acts as a small cushion between bones and tendons) becomes inflamed and swollen. This can occur for several reasons which will be discussed below.
Another name often given to this condition is ‘Poppy Elbow’ due to the large lump that may appear on the elbow.
What Causes Elbow Bursitis?
As mentioned above, the elbow is very susceptible to injury. Below are some of the common causes for elbow bursitis.
Repetitive strain and stress to the elbow such as from playing sports, lifting weights or resting elbows on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
Sudden impact such as from a fall, sports injury or an accident.
Natural wear and tear of the elbow joint.
Pre-existing inflammatory conditions.
Infection. If there is heat, redness, swelling and pain in your elbow there may be an active infection. It is best to seek treatment from a medical professional straight away if you suspect an infection.
What are the Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis?
Signs and symptoms of bursitis in the elbow may include:
A small to large visible lump on the elbow
Discomfort and elbow pain at rest,
Pain in the elbow when bending the arm,
Moderate to severe elbow pain when placing weight on the elbow
There may also be a limited range of motion in the elbow.
How is Elbow Bursitis Diagnosed?
It is always best to visit a qualified medical professional if you suspect that you have bursitis in the elbow prior to starting any treatment in order to get a proper diagnosis.
While elbow bursitis can be assessed by a physical and visual examination it is best to have an x-ray and ultrasound to properly confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor may also feel that blood tests or aspiration of some of the fluid is required if they suspect an infection or to rule out any other possible causes or co-existing conditions.
Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!
Swollen elbow almost half the size of a tennis bal
In early November, 2008, I was shocked when by chance I looked at my right elbow and saw that it had a swollen lump almost half the size of a tennis ball. I had no recollection of bumping it or otherwise causing damage to it and was really quite surprised because it was painless. That […]
Brian L
Auckland, New Zealand
Elbow Bursitis
Hi, Patches were amazing only needed 2 to get my very fluid swollen elbow to go significantly down. This was after 3 weeks of no other solution so VERY VERY HAPPY. Many thanks!
Gavin P
Langford Bristol, UK
Bursitis in the shoulder and elbow
Hi I have had bursitis in my right shoulder for more than three years, after about 6 months of physio, I still have a lot of pain. About 1yr & 2 months ago I developed bursitis in the left shoulder and left elbow, which causes me to have very disturbed sleeps and I cannot sleep […]
Tessa L
VIC, Australia
Bursitis of the elbow, knee swelling & leg cramps
My husband healed his bursitis of the elbow with your patches – they are amazing. He is now using 2 patches on each knee at night for knee swelling. It seems to give him amazing relief from cramps in his legs that kept him awake throughout every night for years. He has used everything from […]
Sheila W
Connecticut, United States
Elbow swollen up to the size of a golf ball
Dear Toky: I was diagnosed with severe bursitis in my left elbow in mid February. I saw an orthopaedist in March who attempted to aspirate my bursa and also injected cortisone in the bursa. This treatment had absolutely no effect. A couple of weeks later the same doctor successfully aspirated over 30 cc’s of fluid […]
Jim N
Florida, United States
Elbow bursitis & baker's cyst
Thank you, I have already used almost all the patches from my last order. I had a bakers cyst which I think has really improved with the patches. I also have tennis elbow on one elbow and golfers elbow on the other and I have put the patches on my elbows one nite and there […]
Lynne F
British Columbia, Canada
Elbow bursitis
Hi Danniel, I wanted to send you a testimonial on the patches for my bursitis. I woke up one Saturday morning and saw a bulge on my elbow. I noticed there was fluid in there. As I’ve never had bursitis before I never knew what it was. I immediately put on my jacket to go […]
Les S
Vancouver, Canada
Bursa in elbow
Thank you so much for your attention and immediate response to my e-mail. About 9 months ago I slipped on a latter and banged my elbow which resulted in a bursa sac. This was the first time ever, but about two months ago it happened again. Your patches worked great both times. They significantly reduced […]
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Olecranon bursitis is the proper name for the inflammatory condition ‘elbow bursitis’. Elbow pain due to olecranon bursitis occurs when a small bursa within the elbow (which normally acts as a small cushion between bones and tendons) becomes inflamed and swollen. This can occur for several reasons which will be discussed below.
