Olecranon Bursitis

Description

Olecranon bursitis or student’s elbow is an inflammation, filling of the olecranon bursa on the point of the elbow.

As a result of injury, the lining of the bursa becomes inflamed. It then secretes a much greater than normal amount of fluid into the bursa. The bursa therefore inflates, producing the characteristic bump and pain of olecranon bursitis.

It is caused by:

• Single traumatic event on the point of your elbow.
• Repeated trauma for e.g. falling on to hard surfaces on your elbow.
• Repetitive resting of elbows on hard surfaces.
• Leaning on hard surfaces for e.g. walls etc.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• A large swollen lump on the point of the elbow.
• If selling is large enough, restriction of movement.
• Pain on the point of the elbow that can travel down the arm.

Treatment

Physiotherapy treatment consists of:

• Stop the stressful activities on the elbow.
• Emphasis on firm compression of the elbow.
• Regaining normal range of movement.

At times if the condition is severe enough you may need a GP management.