Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooElbow (Olecranon) Bursitis
Elbow, Wrist & Hand
What It Is
Bursae are thin, slippery sacs found throughout the body. They act as cushions between bones and the soft tissues. They contain a small amount of lubricating fluid that lets the skin move freely over the bone underneath (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a).
The olecranon bursa lies at the bony tip of the elbow (the olecranon). Normally the bursa is flat. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, more fluid builds up in the bursa and bursitis develops (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a).
Leaning on the tip of the elbow for long periods on a hard surface, such as a desk, tabletop or the armrest in a car, can make the bursa swell. This usually develops over several months (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a). So it can affect anyone who spends long hours writing at a desk or resting their elbows on a hard surface.
Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How to Manage Elbow Bursitis
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner
Tips
- A hard blow to the tip of the elbow can cause the bursa to produce excess fluid and swell (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a).
- Cut down on resting your elbows on tables or chair arms.
- Bursa sacs can become infected without an obvious skin injury (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a). Clean any cuts on your elbow to help prevent infection (NHS, 2023).
- Gout and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with elbow bursitis (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a).
- People who work as heating and air-conditioning technicians or plumbers, who often lean on their elbows in tight spaces, have a higher risk of developing the condition (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a).
- Leaning on the tip of the elbow for long periods can cause swelling in the bursa (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a).
Treatment
My Approach
An irritated bursa doesn't like being squashed or rubbed, so my first rule is simple: no pressure on the swelling at the tip of your elbow, and no dragging of the skin over it. My aim is to help it settle, keep your arm comfortable and moving, and change the habits that keep pressing on it.
I start by checking for signs of infection, then assessing how your elbow, forearm and shoulder move, your strength, and how you rest your arms during the day. If the elbow is red and warm, or you have a high temperature or feel unwell, it may be infected, so I'll ask you to see your family doctor or nurse practitioner before we start.
When It's Sore
- Positioning so nothing presses on your elbow
- Work on the muscles of the upper arm, forearm and shoulder from a distance, never on the bursa itself
- Gentle lymphatic drainage to help with swelling
- Gentle, pain-free movement so the elbow doesn't stiffen
- Cool applications in the clinic, and I'll show you how to use ice safely at home
- Help choosing an elbow pad that suits your work or sport
As It Settles
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to Get Help
A bursa can become infected, sometimes without any obvious cut or scrape (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a). See your family doctor or nurse practitioner promptly if:
- the elbow becomes red and warm
- you have a high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
- you cannot move the joint, or you have very severe, sharp or shooting pain
- your symptoms have not improved, or are getting worse, after 1 to 2 weeks of looking after it yourself
(NHS, 2023; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a)
If an infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the arm or into the bloodstream and cause serious illness (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.a). If redness is spreading up your arm or you feel very unwell, call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital.
Sources
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.a) Elbow (olecranon) bursitis. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/elbow-olecranon-bursitis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2023) Bursitis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bursitis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.b) Elbow (olecranon) fractures. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/elbow-olecranon-fractures/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).