How do you heal olecranon bursitis of the elbow?

Answer 1

As with most forms of bursitis the ideal treatment consists of rest and avoiding further injury to the area. Medical intervention will often include one or more combinations of the following: oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs, aspirating the excess with a syringe, or injecting into the bursa a hydrocortisone type medication which is aimed at relieving the inflammation and preventing further accumulation of fluid. If the bursa is infected then antibiotics may be required.

It is important to try to identify the cause of one's bursitis as early as possible. This is because long-term (chronic) bursitis is likely to eventuate into the formation of scar which may lead to more regular flare ups and possibly further complications in later years.

The first approach in treating olecranon bursitis should be removing mechanical stress from the affected area, such as avoiding leaning on the elbow. You should identify if a repetitive activity is the cause and if so, cease this activity until your bursitis has completely healed.

Olecranon bursitis that does not heal from rest alone or which is causing pain or discomfort may then need medical intervention such as oral or topical NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections. It is also quite common for a doctor to drain the bursitis with a syringe (aspiration), although this may still result in the fluid returning.

If the fluid continues to return after multiple drainings or the bursa is constantly causing pain to the patient, surgery[2] to remove the bursa is an option. The minor operation removes the bursa from the elbow and is left to regrow but at a normal size over a period of ten to fourteen days. It is usually done under general anaesthetic and has very minimal risks.

Individuals who are not able to use conventional anti-inflammatory medications due to existing health reasons or who have found conventional intervention ineffective may try a large range of alternative treatments. It should be noted that whilst many of these alternative treatments may be quite safe they have had very little scientific evaluation. Examples of alternative treatments available include glucosamine supplements, ultra sound treatment or bursitis patches.