Why did I get elbow bursitis?
Elbow bursitis may follow a traumatic accident, such as a fall onto the back of the elbow, or it may seemingly pop up out of nowhere. People who rest their elbows on hard surfaces may aggravate the condition and make the swelling more prominent.
How is the diagnosis of elbow bursitis made?
The common symptoms of elbow bursitis include:
- Pain around the back of the elbow
- Swelling directly over the bony prominence of the tip of the elbow
- Slightly limited motion of the elbow
Are the complications of elbow bursitis?
Occasionally, the swelling and inflammation can be the result of an infection within the bursa, this is called infected elbow bursitis. Patients with systemic inflammatory conditions, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis, are also at increased risk of developing infected elbow bursitis.
What are the signs of infected elbow bursitis?
The follow are signs of infection within the bursa. If you experience these symptoms, you should alert your doctor so he or she can evaluate for the possibility of an infected elbow bursitis:
- Fevers
- Chills or sweats
- Significant redness around the back of the elbow
- Breaks in the skin (scrapes/cuts) around the swollen area
Read on for more information about treatment of elbow bursitis...

