If you’re elbow is looking a little bit like the cartoon character Popeye, you may have elbow bursitis.
Although, you could still have elbow bursitis even minus the a noticeable lump.
Elbow bursitis is the inflammation or irritation of the sac, called a bursa, that’s located between the bones that make up the elbow. Other symptoms besides swelling include pain during activity and at rest, trouble moving the elbow, and the feeling of warmth in the elbow area.
How Does Elbow Bursitis Happen?
Elbow bursitis is frequently caused by trauma. A fall or long durations of leaning on the elbow may result in this condition.
Further, infections caused by a scrape or cut may also cause the bursa to swell and the elbow to feel warm. Sometimes, this is mistaken for elbow bursitis, which is why it’s important to get your elbow checked out by a professional. A proper diagnosis is important to ensure you get to the root of the problem.
Those who play sports with a higher risk of falling are more likely to encounter elbow bursitis. These sports may include skating, gymnastics, or hockey. Those who play other sports where getting hit in the elbow is common, such as cricket, also have a higher risk. Yet, elbow bursitis can occur from any fall or trauma to the elbow.
How To Treat Elbow Bursitis
If you suspect you may have elbow bursitis, book an appointment with your doctor or another sports medicine specialist.
From there, they will likely advise you to immobilize the affected elbow. In some cases, draining the fluid in the bursa may be necessary. Further, your doctor or specialist may recommend an X-ray to examine if anything else may be contributing to the pain, such as bone spurs. Bone spurs are frequently found in patients with elbow bursitis.
In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove the bursa. However, this is frequently only done if other less invasive measures haven’t worked. If surgery is required, a 3-4 week recovery period can be expected following the procedure.
Physical therapy and rest may further aid in getting you back to normal functioning and back to your regular activities.
For further prevention, make sure to always wear elbow pads for protection, especially if it’s possible you may get hit with a ball or fall on your elbow during play.
At Athlete’s Choice Massage, our registered massage therapists can help you get back to your normal. If you’re experiencing muscle pain or tightness in relation to your bursitis, contact our clinic today. Book your next appointment and start your journey toward recovery today.
