Elbow Bursitis or Olecranon Bursitis

Elbow bursitis is a condition where the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) located on the tip of the elbow becomes inflamed. The condition can be caused by repetitive pressure or friction on the elbow, injury or trauma, or infection.

Symptoms of elbow bursitis may include pain, swelling, and redness on the tip of the elbow, difficulty bending or straightening the arm, and a warm sensation around the elbow.

To help alleviate the symptoms of elbow bursitis, your physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath may recommend rest, ice, and compression to reduce swelling, as well as gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and strengthen the elbow joint. They may also suggest medications or steroid injections to reduce inflammation.

Here are five exercises that may help alleviate the symptoms of elbow bursitis:

1. Wrist curls – Sit on a chair with your forearm resting on a table or armrest. Hold a light weight (1-2 pounds) in your hand, palm facing up. Slowly curl your wrist towards your body, then slowly uncurl it back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
2. Reverse wrist curls – Sit on a chair with your forearm resting on a table or armrest. Hold a light weight (1-2 pounds) in your hand, palm facing down. Slowly curl your wrist away from your body, then slowly uncurl it back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
3. Tricep extensions – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a light weight (1-2 pounds) in one hand. Bring the weight behind your head, then slowly straighten your arm towards the ceiling. Slowly lower the weight back behind your head. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
4. Bicep curls – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a light weight (1-2 pounds) in one hand. With your arm straight down by your side, slowly curl the weight towards your shoulder, then slowly lower it back down. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
5. Towel stretch – Hold a towel in both hands and raise it over your head. With one hand, lower the towel behind your back towards your shoulder blades. Use your other hand to gently pull the towel down towards your lower back. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch arms and repeat.

• Olecranon bursitis is usually not that painful unless you are leaning on your elbow on the desk or doing a plank on your elbows. However, if you are searching our site yours probably is. It looks like a big ball of fluid at the back of your elbow. Physiotherapy and modalities such as laser, MBS, and micro-current can reduce swelling,