Olecranon Bursitis
What is it?
Olecranon Bursitis is an inflammation of the sacs of fluid on your arm that allow your elbow to move. This causes elbow pain and may also be called a “Popeye Elbow.
What causes it?
Olecranon bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled cushions (bursa) that sit between the elbow bones, muscles and tendons swell and become inflamed. The most common causes of inflammation are:
A direct blow to the elbow that causes the bursa to produce more fluid.
Prolonged pressure on the tip of the elbow when leaning on a hard surface gradually leads to swelling in the bursa.
A bacterial infection in the sec may lead to inflammation due to:
- Injury
- broken skin due to a wound, scrape or insect bite
Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can lead to olecranon bursitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of elbow pain include but are not limited to:
Pain when moving the elbow
Swelling
Redness
Warmth
