Elbow Bursitis Information

Last reviewed on 16 January 2024 by Danniel Jacques (B.Med.Sci UNSW)

What is Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)?

Elbow Bursitis - OSMO Patch - US 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 Bursitis in the Elbow?

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.

Next Page: Learn the answers to the most common questions asked about treating elbow bursitis, including:

Next Page: Valuable Elbow Bursitis Treatment Information

Testimonials

Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!

Bursitis of the elbow, knee swelling & leg cramps

My husband healed his bursitis of the elbow with your patches. –

They are amazing, and he is now using 2 patches on each knee at night for knee swelling, and 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 niacin to bars of ivory soap between the sheets.

Sheila W

Connecticut, United States

Bursitis in shoulder & elbow

Hi, I have had bursitis in my right shoulder for more than 3 years, after about 6 months of physio, I still have a lot of pain. About 14 months ago I developed bursitis in the left shoulder and elbow, which causes me very disturbed sleeps, I had treatment with an Osteopath, the pain subsided only temporarily

I have used 9 of your patches, 2 on my elbow and the rest on my shoulder, the improvement in my shoulder has been amazing, I still have a lot of pain but the movement has improving so much that I don’t hesitate in getting dressed as previously just pulling a T-shirt over my head was painful.

Thank you so much and I hope more people find your website. What a blessing.

Tessa L

VIC, Australia

Elbow Bursitis

The OSMO Patch worked great for my wife’s elbow bursitis,

I’ve placed another order through the website, a work colleague was just diagnosed with hip bursitis and I’ve recommended OSMO Patch.

Fantastic product.

Jackson P

TN, United States

Elbow swollen up to the size of a golf ball

I was diagnosed with severe bursitis in my left elbow, and I saw an orthopaedist who attempted to aspirate it and also injected cortisone with absolutely no effect.

A couple of weeks later, he aspirated over 30 cc’s of fluid, and the next day all the fluid had returned. The only alternative offered was surgery, which he pointed out had limited success. That’s when I found your treatment and ordered an initial 10 patches, which greatly diminished the swelling. I re-ordered more patches to finish off the treatment, and I have absolutely no swelling or discomfort now.

I would unhesitatingly recommend your treatment to anyone with bursitis. The results are amazing; Regards Jim

Jim N

Florida, United States

Swollen elbow almost half the size of a tennis bal

After noticing a swollen lump on my elbow almost half the size of a tennis ball, I visited my doctor who explained it was a bursa and could be drained but would likely re-occur. Like others, I found your website and decided to “give it a go” although being a little skeptical.

While waiting, my doctor drained it by needle, but it re-filled within 3-4 days as predicted. When the patches arrived, I immediately used them with skepticism. The next morning, I could not believe my eyes, it was covered with similar fluid as the doctor had removed and again after 3 more.

My elbow is now back to normal, and I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone with similar problems.

Brian L

Auckland, New Zealand

Elbow bursitis

Hi, I wanted to send you a testimonial on the patches.

I woke up one Saturday morning and saw a bulge on my elbow with fluid in there and decided to Google it. I learnt many people opted to drain it. That was not appealing to me at all!

I discovered the OSMO Patches and ordered them. After using the first 3 patches, I noticed my bursitis getting smaller. After the 9th it was almost gone, then totally gone after the 10th patch. Using your patches saved me from having a doctor drain the fluid…thanks!!!

If I know of anyone with bursitis I will be sending them to you ASAP!

Les S

Vancouver, Canada

Elbow bursitis

Thank you. Just to let you know, your product is supreme!

I’d been suffering with bursitis on my elbow for months, but now it’s totally healed in just two applications.

Thank you so much.

DEANDREA I

California, United States

Bursitis in my Elbow

Attention Toky, Customer care.

Hi Toky, just to say we’ve ordered 20 more patches as the first lot really improved the Bursitis in my Elbow. It reduced the pain mainly, but although it seems full of fluid in the mornings the swelling has not reduced greatly.

Mind you it’s quite an art fitting them firmly to an elbow and still being able to move!

Regards

John W

QLD, Australia)

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