Overview

Bursitis is pain and swelling of the bursae. These are sacs of fluid that help your joints move smoothly. Olecranon bursitis is a type of bursitis that affects the back of the elbow.

Injury, overuse, or prolonged pressure on your elbow can cause this form of bursitis. Sometimes it happens when people have arthritis. It also can occur for unknown reasons.

Treatment includes avoiding activities that cause pain or that put pressure on the elbow. This helps protect the area while it heals. If your doctor thinks there is an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Most people get better in a few weeks. If the problem doesn't go away, you may need other medicines or treatments.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your doctor gave you a sling, an elastic bandage, or a splint, wear it exactly as instructed. Make sure that you gently bend and straighten your elbow each day if you are using a sling, bandage, or splint. This will help prevent elbow stiffness.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your elbow for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to your elbow. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
• Rest your elbow. Try to stop or reduce any activity that causes pain.
• Wear elbow pads during physical activity to prevent injury.
• Do not lean your elbows on tables or armrests.