Elbow Bursitis (Subtendinous Olecranon Bursitis)

Also known as: subtendinous olecranon bursitis, dialysis elbow, student's elbow, lunger's elbow, miner's elbow

The subcutaneous olecranon bursa (just below the skin) is exposed to injury during falls on the elbow and to infection from abrasions of the skin covering this area. Repeated excessive pressure and/or friction, as might occur in wrestling, for example, may cause this bursa to become inflamed, producing excessive friction and pain in this area. This type of bursitis is known as "dart thrower's elbow" and "miner's elbow".

Occasionally, the bursa becomes inflamed. Subtendinous olecranon bursitis is much less common, resulting from excessive friction between the triceps tendon and olecranon. This may result, for example, from repeated flexion-extension of the forearm as occurs during certain assembly line jobs, and is one of many repetitive motion type injuries. The pain is most severe during the flexion of the forearm because of pressure exerted on the inflamed subtendinous olecranon bursa by the triceps tendon.

Causes of Elbow Bursitis

There are a multitude of ways to contract bursitis, but fundamentally, the cause is from one of three sources

Trauma (Acute or Chronic) - Trauma causes inflammation of the elbow bursa, resulting in a widening of the blood vessels in the bursa. This widening allows proteins and various fluids into the bursae that are not supposed to be there, resulting in a reactive swelling from the bursae. Until these foreign materials leave the bursa or are broken down by the bursae defense system, the swelling and pain will remain.

Acute Trauma to the elbow means a direct blow to the elbow. In such cases, blood may leak into the bursa of the elbow and cause swelling and pain.

Chronic Trauma will occur if there is mild trauma to the elbow that occurs repetitively. For instance, a hard elbow rest while driving frequently or straining the elbow frequently while throwing darts.

Infection (Septic Bursitis) - The closer the bursa is to the surface of the skin, the more likely the chance of infection from specific bacteria that are commonly found on the surface of the skin. This bacterial infection is known as septic bursitis and common bacteria that create this infection are known as Staphylococcus Epidermis (or Staphylococcus Aureus). Septic Bursitis occurs most commonly in men (85% of all cases occur in men) and you are at higher risk of contracting this if you

• have Diabetes
• have recently experienced Trauma
• are undergoing Steroid Treatments
• have Alcoholism
• have a certain Kidney Condition

Crystal Deposits (caused from Gout and/or Rheumatoid Arthritis) - Some people with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or scleroderma may contract bursitis from crystalline deposits in the joints. Although not much is known about how this process happens, it is common knowledge that Uric acid is a normal byproduct of daily metabolism. If your are diagnosed with gout then you are unable to break down this uric acid properly, leading to crystalization of this excess acid which deposits in joints—a painful symptom that can often lead to bursitis.

There are a number of things that can indirectly cause bursitis such as repetitive use or overuse from work or sporting activities, acute injuries and aging. Over the years your muscles will start to lose their mass and strength, your tissues will lose their elasticity and degenerate, making you more susceptible to injury. Weakened muscles and/or tendons or injuries to your elbow, wrist, forearm or shoulder can instigate bursitis. You are at increased risk of suffering from this condition if your work and/or lifestyle require repetitive use of your elbow.

Elbow Bursitis Home Treatments

The U.R.I.C.E. Treatment Philosophy

This treatment philosophy is used to decrease inflammation and relieve pain for a chronic or acute bursitis within the first 48 hours of a flare-up.

• Ultrasound around your injured elbow for 5 minutes, 3 times per day. This is best accomplished with a personal, therapeutic ultrasound device.
• Rest and limit your activity, to decrease swelling and keep the brusistis from getting worse.

• Ice your elbow area 3-4 times/day for approximately 15 - 20 minutes at a time to help reduce blood flow and fluid build up. Gel packs are a better option than frozen peas if possible, as they mold to your body shape and are reusable (do not apply ice/gel packs directly on your skin, instead wrap cold compress in a wrap or cloth).
• Compress the area if possible by adding light pressure to minimize swelling (make sure the compress is snug, but not too tight as it could cause numbness, tingling or more pain).
• Elevate your arm above chest level to relieve the pressure from swelling and allow fluid to drain from your injured area.