Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints. Bursitis can affect any joint, but it’s especially common in the elbow.
Fortunately, you can usually manage elbow bursitis with home remedies. Many cases respond well to self-care strategies.
In this article, we’ll cover how to recognize the symptoms of elbow bursitis, what home treatment options are available, and how to prevent elbow bursitis from developing in the first place.
Recognizing Elbow Bursitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
Elbow bursitis has some telltale symptoms that can help you know when it’s time to try a home remedy and when you should see a doctor.
Common Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis
The pain of elbow bursitis is often described as a dull ache around the elbow joint that gets worse when you move your arm or put pressure on your elbow.
You’ll likely see signs of inflammation, such as swelling and tenderness around the elbow. The area may also feel warm to the touch.
When to Consult a Doctor
See your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse even with home care, or if they’ve been going on for more than a few weeks.
Signs of infection, such as fever or intense pain, are reasons to seek medical attention right away.
It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider if you can’t move your elbow joint at all.
Effective Home Remedies for Elbow Bursitis
If you’re dealing with elbow bursitis, there are several things you can do at home to manage the symptoms.
Rest and Immobilization
Resting the affected joint is key. That means avoiding any activities that make the pain worse. You might also consider using a sling or brace to support the elbow. Immobilizing the joint can help reduce inflammation and give it a chance to heal.
Ice Therapy
Applying ice can work wonders. Use ice packs on the elbow for about 10 minutes at a time, several times a day. The ice helps constrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling and eases the pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help manage the discomfort. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully. If the pain is severe or doesn’t improve, it’s always a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional.
Compression
Compression can also help reduce swelling. Wrap the elbow with an elastic bandage, but be careful not to wrap it too tightly. You want it snug, but not cutting off circulation.
Elevation
Elevating the elbow can further reduce swelling. When you’re resting, try to keep your elbow raised above the level of your heart. This helps drain excess fluid and reduce inflammation.
Preventing elbow bursitis from recurring
Once you’ve healed from a bout of elbow bursitis, you’ll want to keep it from coming back. Here’s how:
Lifestyle modifications
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Excess weight puts extra stress on your joints.
Before you engage in any physical activity, be sure to warm up your muscles and joints to prep them and reduce the chances of an injury.
Protecting your elbow
Wear padding during activities that put pressure on your elbow, such as kneeling or contact sports.
Also, avoid repetitive motions and putting pressure on your elbow for long periods. Take breaks to rest the joint so you don’t wind up with an overuse injury.
Good hygiene
Be sure to clean any cuts or scrapes you get on your elbow. Preventing an infection can keep septic bursitis at bay.
Key Takeaways
If you’re dealing with elbow bursitis, remember the basics: rest, ice, compression, elevation, and OTC pain relievers can often make a big difference.
To prevent it from coming back, try to maintain a healthy weight, protect your elbow from bumps and scrapes, and keep the area clean.
Finally, don’t hesitate to see a doctor if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve. Getting checked out early can help you avoid complications and get the right treatment.