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Elbow bursitis, also called olecranon bursitis, causes fluid to collect in a sac that lies behind the elbow, called the olecranon bursa. A bursa is a slippery, sac-like tissue that normally allows smooth movement around bony prominences, such as the point behind the elbow. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the sac fills with fluid. This can cause pain and a noticeable swelling behind the elbow.

The treatment for elbow bursitis is usually best accomplished with a few simple steps:

• Draining the Bursa. The first step of treatment is accomplished by draining the fluid from the swollen bursa. This is done in the doctor's office using a needle to aspirate (suck out) the fluid from the swollen bursa.

Your doctor will sterilize the skin around the swollen elbow bursa, and place a needle into the area of inflammation. By removing this excess fluid, patients often have significant relief of symptoms. There is a chance the fluid can re-accumulate, and therefore an injection of cortisone is also often performed.

• Cortisone Injections. After removing the excess fluid, your doctor may often administer a cortisone injection into the bursa.

Cortisone will suppress the inflammatory response to increase the chance of lasting solution..

• Rest. Patients with elbow bursitis should rest and protect their elbow until the elbow bursitis has been completely treated. Usually no special protection or bracing is needed, and simply avoiding strenuous activity, lifting, and pressure on the elbow will allow the inflammation to subside.

• Anti-inflammatory Medications. An oral anti-inflammatory medication is also commonly prescribed. These medications are most helpful with the pain that is caused by elbow bursitis, but they may also help control some of the inflammation.
 
• Brief Immobilization. Immobilization with a splint is usually not necessary, but may be helpful in some patients. Caution should be used with immobilization as a frozen (stiff) elbow joint can easily develop. Therefore, immobilization beyond a few days should be avoided, and gentle motion of the elbow joint should be encouraged.

• Surgery.  Surgery can be necessary in chronic cases.