Your elbow is a vital part of your body’s movement. It’s made up of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius (the outer forearm bone) and the ulna (the inner forearm bone). These bones are held together by ligaments and tendons that allow your arm to bend, extend and rotate your arm with ease. Another important part of the elbow is the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts like a cushion to reduce friction between bones and soft tissue. The bursa is essential to smooth movement, especially in the elbow, where you rely on constant mobility and strength. However, when this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to a painful condition known as elbow bursitis. 

Elbow bursitis, also called olecranon bursitis, occurs when the bursa at the tip of the elbow becomes swollen and inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, redness and difficulty moving the elbow. Bursitis in the elbow is a relatively common problem. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to help you manage bursitis in the elbow, including physical therapy. 

6 potential causes of bursitis in the elbow

Several factors can contribute to the development of bursitis in the elbow. Knowing what can lead to this condition can help you avoid or address it early. Causes of bursitis in the elbow may include:

• Repetitive motion or pressure on the elbow — Frequent and repetitive activities that put stress on the elbow, like leaning on hard surfaces for prolonged periods, can irritate the bursa. This is why elbow bursitis is sometimes called “student’s elbow” or “miner’s elbow,” as these groups often rest their elbows on surfaces repeatedly. 
• Injury or trauma to the elbow — A direct blow to or fall on the elbow can damage the bursa, causing it to swell and become inflamed. Even a minor injury to the area can trigger bursitis if the bursa becomes irritated during the healing process. 
• Infections — Bacteria can enter the bursa through a small cut, scrape or puncture near the elbow. When an infection occurs, it can cause severe inflammation in the bursa, leading to pain, swelling, redness and sometimes fever. This type of bursitis is known as septic bursitis and requires prompt medical treatment. 
• Medical conditions — Certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, increase the likelihood of developing bursitis. Inflammatory diseases like these can cause the body to produce excessive inflammation, affecting joints and bursae, including the elbow joint. Gout can lead to crystal deposits in the joints, which can irritate the bursa and cause bursitis. 
• Aging — As you age, your body’s natural cushioning system tends to wear down, including the bursae. The bursa in the elbow may become prone to inflammation due to natural wear and tear, which is why bursitis can be more common in older adults. 
• Occupational or athletic activities — Certain occupations and sports put extra strain on the elbows, increasing the risk of bursitis in the elbow. For instance, jobs that require a lot of lifting, pulling or repetitive arm movements, such as construction work, carpentry or mechanics, can lead to bursitis. Athletes who play sports involving repetitive elbow movements, like tennis or baseball, can also be more susceptible. 

Understanding these potential causes can help you take preventive measures, whether through modifying habits, taking breaks or using protective gear to protect your elbows. 

Symptoms of elbow bursitis 

Symptoms of bursitis in the elbow may include:

• Pain — Aching pain, especially when you move your elbow
• Swelling — A noticeable bulge or swelling around the affected elbow
• Tenderness — The area around the bursa may be tender to the touch. 
• Limited range of motion — Difficulty bending or straightening your elbow 
• Redness and warmth — In severe cases, the skin around the affected elbow joint may be red and warm. 

How is bursitis in the elbow diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bursitis in the elbow joint, your doctor can help determine if bursitis is the cause. The diagnostic process can include several steps, including:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging tests to rule out other causes
• Aspiration or fluid analysis if an infection is suspected

A combination of these diagnostic methods can help your doctor identify the exact cause of pain and swelling in the elbow, ensuring that you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. 

Treatment options for bursitis in the elbow

Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options that can help manage elbow bursitis and relieve your symptoms, including:

• Rest and activity modification — Resting the affected elbow and avoiding activities that make your pain worse are essential for recovery. Using a cushion or pad when resting on hard surfaces can also reduce pressure on the affected elbow. 
• Ice and compression — Applying an ice pack to the affected elbow can help reduce inflammation and pain. Wrapping the elbow with a compression bandage can also help manage swelling. 
• Elevation — Keeping the affected elbow elevated above heart level can decrease swelling by promoting fluid drainage away from the area. 
• Medications — Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in mild cases of bursitis. 
• Aspiration — If the affected elbow is significantly swollen or if infection is suspected, a doctor may do an aspiration to drain excess fluid. This procedure not only reduces swelling, but also provides samples for testing. 
• Antibiotics — In cases of septic bursitis, antibiotics are necessary to help treat the infection. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics based on the specific type of bacteria found in the fluid analysis. 
• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion, strength and flexibility in the affected elbow. 
• Corticosteroid injections — In some cases, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections. These injections can help provide quick and targeted relief. However, these injections are used as a last resort due to the potential side effects of repeated use. 
• Surgery — For chronic or severe cases that don’t respond well to other conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected bursa. This is usually a last-resort option for those who haven’t found relief through other therapies. 

Physical therapy techniques for bursitis in the elbow

Physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing elbow bursitis and its symptoms. Your physical therapist may incorporate a wide range of techniques into your personalized treatment plan, such as:

• Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist may recommend exercises tailored to strengthen the muscles around the affected elbow, improve flexibility and reduce stress on the joint. These exercises may include range-of-motion exercises, resistance band exercises, and gentle stretching to help prevent stiffness and support recovery. 
• Manual therapy — Manual therapy encompasses a variety of hands-on techniques intended to help reduce pain, improve joint mobility and restore mobility, including:
• Soft tissue manipulation — Your physical therapist will use soft tissue manipulation to focus on manipulating and stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the elbow. It helps release tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain and inflammation, supporting your body’s natural healing process. 
• Joint mobilization — Joint mobilization involves your physical therapist using slow, controlled movements of the elbow joint to help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness. It can be helpful for elbow bursitis by reducing stress and increasing flexibility in the joint. 
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — IASTM involves your physical therapist using special tools to apply pressure to the muscles and soft tissue around the elbow. IASTM can help promote blood flow, break up adhesions and support healing in the affected area, helping relieve tension and improve mobility. 
• Aquatic therapy — Aquatic therapy takes place in a warm pool, where the buoyancy of water reduces pressure on the elbow. This allows you to do gentle exercises that may be painful on land. The water’s warmth also promotes muscle relaxation and improved circulation, reducing pain and stiffness. 
• Therapeutic ultrasound — Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to deliver heat deep into the tissue around the affected elbow. This heat helps boost blood flow, reduce pain and promote tissue healing to support a quicker and more effective recovery. 

These physical therapy techniques and treatments can work together to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and restore mobility in the elbow, offering you a holistic and effective path to recovery. 

Find relief from bursitis in the elbow at Lattimore Physical Therapy

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we understand how elbow bursitis can impact your daily activities and quality of life. Our team of experienced physical therapists is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs, helping you manage pain, reduce inflammation and regain mobility. With a compassionate approach and physical therapy techniques, we aim to support your recovery every step of the way. Trust Lattimore PT to guide you toward effective relief and lasting elbow health. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.