Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Remedy For Recurring Olecranon Bursitis
I am 80 years old and recently developed elbow bursitis aka Olecranon Bursits. When discovered i took Ibuprofen and administered cold packs for a few days in addition to binding the area to no avail. i decided to let it go to see if it would subside naturally . It s been about 30 days plus now and it has not subsided. It s now about 2 1/2 in length and 1 1/2 thick. Should i wait further for nature to correct this or should i see my MD and have it drained. It s full of water, not blood. I am relatively inactive and as such am very careful about causing the elbow any further distress. Thank you, Pete
Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Friction is the most common cause of olecranon bursitis.
Avoiding friction will reduce the irritation and thus reduce the size of the bursa.
However, if the bursa has increased in size conservative measures will not help.
In such a case, steroid injection will be helpful to resolve the swelling.
Pain killer like ibuprofen will help to control the pain.
I suggest you to consult an orthopedician for clinical assessment and thus management.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Friction is the most common cause of olecranon bursitis.
Avoiding friction will reduce the irritation and thus reduce the size of the bursa.
However, if the bursa has increased in size conservative measures will not help.
In such a case, steroid injection will be helpful to resolve the swelling.
Pain killer like ibuprofen will help to control the pain.
I suggest you to consult an orthopedician for clinical assessment and thus management.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....