Last updated on 20 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 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.
Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!
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
Bursa in elbow
Dear Toky: My patches arrived on Feb. 10th. I have now used 9 of the patches, wearing one sometimes during the day. I have noticed significant results, although there is still some swelling in the bursa in my left elbow.
George A
Utah, United States
Buristis (the size of a hardball) in elbow
So I had buristis (the size of a hardball) in my elbow. Three doctor visits (3) draining visits, but swelling returned instantly. Tried your patches and after 10 apps. it has completely disappeared! Thank You
Ed L
Washington, United States
Elbow bursitis
Thank you. Just to let you know, you’re product is supreme! Thank you so much. I’d been suffering with bursitis on my elbow for months, but now it’s totally healed in just two applications.
DEANDREA I
California, United States
Elbow bursitis
Dear Toky, This is to follow up on my last email. After the 7th patch, the swelling began to go down. I did have to use all 10 patches, but by that time the swelling was gone and my elbow was back to normal. So the patches did work and I am completely satisfied. I […]
Tom F
California, United States
Swollen elbow
Hello, My name is Garry Gracey; I am a former HANDBALL CHAMPION. I banged my elbow while playing handball. It became swollen after a few days and my family doctor recommended not to drain the bursa on the elbow but to have it take its natural healing course. “Being impatient” I googled and found OSMO […]
Garry I. Gracey
British Columbia, Canada
Elbow bursitis
On applying your patch to my elbow for three days the bursitis disappeared. Simply amazing. My elbow and shoulder were both injured at the same time. They were attended to by a highly respected orthopaedic physician. After treatment, my shoulder fully recovered but the bursitis continued in full bloom. My doctor did not suggest draining […]
Robert F
Florida, United States
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 […]
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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.
