Olecranon Bursitis

Of all the bursae in the body, the olecranon is the one that is most commonly impacted by bursitis, a common ailment. The painful enlargement of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion to lessen friction between bodily tissues, is known as bursitis. On the bony tip of the elbow, the olecranon bursa is flat. However, extra fluid builds up and bursitis will form if it is irritated or inflamed. It is difficult to tell if it is septic or non-septic solely on the physical examination, and it can be either acute or chronic.

What Leads to Bursitis of the Olecranon?

• Trauma
  A hard blow can cause the bursa to produce excess fluid and swell.
• Prolonged pressure
  If you lean on your elbow for extended periods on hard surfaces, it can likely cause the bursa to swell. This usually takes months to develop. Sometimes, the nature of work can also put people at risk of developing bursitis.
• Athletic activities
  Certain activities can risk you developing bursitis, such as holding in a plank position for longer.
• Infection
  Any injury, insect bite, wound, etc., in which bacteria may get inside and cause the infection. This can produce more fluid; if untreated, it can turn into pus.
• Medical condition
  Sometimes, certain medical conditions can likely be associated with triggering it.

How is a diagnosis of olecranon bursitis made?

Prior to performing a physical examination and making a diagnosis, the healthcare professional may begin by learning about the patient’s medical history, family history, indicators, or symptoms. The medical professional will examine the elbow for redness or swelling, measure the elbow’s movement and muscular strength, and conduct a comprehensive elbow assessment. X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasounds, blood tests, and bursa fluid samples are a few imaging procedures that can be used to diagnose the illness and rule out other conditions that are comparable.

Learn more about our treatment plan to help your case by scheduling an appointment with Advanced Pain Consultants, PA at (919) 800-0850.