Elbow
pain
and
swelling
can be a very detectable feature to diagnose Elbow bursitis. Physical examination and
X-ray
can be done to confirm elbow bursitis. And any uncertainty about the diagnosis needs an MRI to be done. The major complications with this condition is the infection within the bursa. Which can also cause swelling and pain. This is called as
Infected Elbow Bursitis
. Most people with gout, rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic inflammatory conditions are at an increased risk.
Typical Symptoms Of Elbow Bursitis:
- Pain felt around the back of the elbow
- Slightly restricted motion of the elbow
- Fever
- Chills
- Heat flush
- Significant redness at the back of elbow
- Breaks in the skin around the swollen area. It may appear as scrapes or cuts.
- Tenderness felt over the bursa directly
- Feeling pain during movement of overlying tendons and muscles
- Swelling around the bursa at the bony prominence area.
Signs Of An Infected Elbow Bursitis:
- Open wounds found near the area of bursitis
- The skin become more red
- The skin feels warm
In case when any of the above signs appear do not neglect to consult your doctor immediately.
Tests Done To Detect Infected Elbow Bursitis:
Whenever any suspicion arises about the infection, some of the
fluid
is taken from the bursa. A small needle or a syringe used to draw the fluid from the swollen bursa. The fluid is then given for
microscopic analysis
. Mostly antibiotic medicines are given as the treatment. Surgical drainage may be required in some cases at the bursa.
There is always a chance for Elbow bursitis to come back. But it is rare in occurrence following a drainage and resting the elbow. In such cases usually the inflammation is subsided and the problem is resolved. But in rare cases, if the bursitis returns persistently, surgical removal of the bursa can be necessary. Patients often complain of a marble-like bump of thickened bursa. This may occur even months after an elbow bursitis episode. The people who place pressure on the elbow for prolonged periods are prone to elbow bursitis. Elbow pads can very beneficial to protect your elbow and prevent elbow bursitis.
