Elbow Bursitis Information

Last reviewed on 16 January 2024 by Danniel Jacques (B.Med.Sci UNSW)

What is Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)?

Elbow Bursitis - OSMO Patch - UKOlecranon bursitis is the proper name for the inflammatory condition ‘elbow bursitis’. Elbow pain due to olecranon bursitis occurs when a small bursa within the elbow (which normally acts as a small cushion between bones and tendons) becomes inflamed and swollen. This can occur for several reasons which will be discussed below.

Another name often given to this condition is ‘Poppy Elbow’ due to the large lump that may appear on the elbow.

What Causes Elbow Bursitis?

As mentioned above, the elbow is very susceptible to injury. Below are some of the common causes for elbow bursitis.

  • Repetitive strain and stress to the elbow such as from playing sports, lifting weights or resting elbows on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
  • Sudden impact such as from a fall, sports injury or an accident.
  • Natural wear and tear of the elbow joint.
  • Pre-existing inflammatory conditions.
  • Infection. If there is heat, redness, swelling and pain in your elbow there may be an active infection. It is best to seek treatment from a medical professional straight away if you suspect an infection.

What are the Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis?

Signs and symptoms of bursitis in the elbow may include:

  • A small to large visible lump on the elbow
  • Discomfort and elbow pain at rest,
  • Pain in the elbow when bending the arm,
  • Moderate to severe elbow pain when placing weight on the elbow
  • There may also be a limited range of motion in the elbow.

How is Elbow Bursitis Diagnosed?

It is always best to visit a qualified medical professional if you suspect that you have bursitis in the elbow prior to starting any treatment in order to get a proper diagnosis.

While elbow bursitis can be assessed by a physical and visual examination it is best to have an x-ray and ultrasound to properly confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor may also feel that blood tests or aspiration of some of the fluid is required if they suspect an infection or to rule out any other possible causes or co-existing conditions.

Next Page: Learn the answers to the most common questions asked about treating elbow bursitis, including:

Testimonials

Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!

Elbow bursitis

Hi, I wanted to send you a testimonial on the patches.

I woke up one Saturday morning and saw a bulge on my elbow with fluid in there and decided to Google it. I learnt many people opted to drain it. That was not appealing to me at all!

I discovered the OSMO Patches and ordered them. After using the first 3 patches, I noticed my bursitis getting smaller. After the 9th it was almost gone, then totally gone after the 10th patch. Using your patches saved me from having a doctor drain the fluid…thanks!!!

If I know of anyone with bursitis I will be sending them to you ASAP!

Les S
Vancouver, Canada
Bursa in elbow

Dear Toky,

My patches arrived on Feb. 10th. I have now used 9 of the patches, wearing one sometimes during the day.

I have noticed significant results, although there is still some swelling in the bursa in my left elbow.

George A
Utah, United States
Swollen elbow

Hello,

My name is Garry Gracey; I am a former HANDBALL CHAMPION. I banged my elbow while playing handball. It became swollen after a few days, and my family doctor recommended not to drain the bursa on the elbow but to have it take its natural healing course. “Being impatient” I googled and found OSMO Patches. They were AMAZING in such that after 5 applications of OSMO patches, the swelling on my elbow disappeared.

For a visual of the before and after, attached are the pictures.

Thank you very much,

Garry I. Gracey
British Columbia, Canada
Elbow bursitis

My elbow and shoulder were both injured at the same time, which were attended to by a highly respected orthopaedic physician.

After treatment, my shoulder fully recovered but the bursitis continued in full bloom. My doctor did not suggest draining it because the bursitis would likely return. After 7 weeks of no relief I researched the Internet for answers. That is when I discovered your product. On applying your patch to my elbow for 3 days the bursitis disappeared.

Simply amazing. Thank you!

Robert F
Florida, United States
Buristis (the size of a hardball) in elbow

So, I had bursitis (the size of a hardball) in my elbow. Three doctor visits (3) draining visits but swelling returned instantly.

Tried your patches and after 10 apps. it has completely disappeared!

Thank You

Ed L
Washington, United States
Bursitis in my Elbow

Attention Toky, Customer care.

Hi Toky, just to say we’ve ordered 20 more patches as the first lot really improved the Bursitis in my Elbow. It reduced the pain mainly, but although it seems full of fluid in the mornings the swelling has not reduced greatly.

Mind you it’s quite an art fitting them firmly to an elbow and still being able to move!

Regards

John W
QLD, Australia)
Elbow Bursitis

The OSMO Patch worked great for my wife’s elbow bursitis,

I’ve placed another order through the website, a work colleague was just diagnosed with hip bursitis and I’ve recommended OSMO Patch.

Fantastic product.

Jackson P
TN, United States
Elbow bursitis

Dear Toky, this is to follow up on my last email.

After the 7th patch, the swelling began to go down. I did have to use all 10 patches, but by that time the swelling was gone and my elbow was back to normal.

So the patches did work, and I am completely satisfied. I would buy them again and recommend them to others.

Thanks so much.

Tom F
California, United States
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