How To Treat Elbow Bursitis Without Surgery

Elbow bursitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the bursa, a small sac located between the skin and the bone. The bursa helps to reduce friction and protect the joint from damage. Elbow bursitis is most often caused by overuse of the elbow, and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat elbow bursitis. However, there are many ways to treat this condition without surgery. In this article, we will discuss how to treat elbow bursitis without surgery.

 

What Is Elbow Bursitis?

Elbow bursitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the bursa, a small sac located between the skin and the bone. The bursa helps to reduce friction and protect the joint from damage. Elbow bursitis is most often caused by overuse of the elbow, and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat elbow bursitis. However, there are many ways to treat this condition without surgery.

 

How To Treat Elbow Bursitis Without Surgery

There are several ways to treat elbow bursitis without surgery. Here are some:

  • Rest: Rest is one of the best things you can do for elbow bursitis. Avoid activities that put stress on the elbow, such as lifting, throwing, or twisting. Instead, take some time off from these activities to allow the inflammation to go down.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the elbow several times a day can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Compression: Wearing a compression bandage can help to reduce swelling.
  • Elevation: Keeping the elbow raised above the level of the heart can also help to reduce swelling.
  • Anti-inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroid Injection: In some cases, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to help reduce inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and reduce pain.

 

How To Prevent Elbow Bursitis

There are several things you can do to prevent elbow bursitis. Here are some:

  • Warm Up Before Activity: Be sure to warm up before any activity that puts stress on the elbow.
  • Cool Down After Activity: Be sure to cool down after any activity that puts stress on the elbow.
  • Stretch The Muscles Around The Elbow: Stretching the muscles around the elbow can help to prevent inflammation.
  • Avoid Activities That Put Stress On The Elbow: Avoid activities that put stress on the elbow, such as lifting, throwing, or twisting.
  • Wear Protective Gear: If you play a sport that puts stress on the elbow, be sure to wear protective gear, such as an elbow pad.

Risk Factors Of Elbow Bursitis

There are several things that can increase your risk of developing elbow bursitis. Here are some:

  • Overuse Of The Elbow: Overuse of the elbow is the most common cause of elbow bursitis.
  • Injury: An injury to the elbow can also lead to bursitis.
  • Age: Older adults are more likely to develop bursitis.
  • Medical Conditions: Medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes, can also increase your risk of developing bursitis.

 

Elbow Bursitis Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat elbow bursitis. Surgery is usually only recommended if the bursitis is severe and does not respond to other treatment methods. During surgery, the doctor will make an incision over the bursa and remove it. In some cases, the surrounding tissue may also be removed.

 

Recovery from elbow bursitis surgery can take several weeks. During this time, you will need to keep your elbow elevated and avoid putting stress on it. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help you regain strength and motion in the elbow.

 

If you’re suffering from elbow bursitis and don’t want to go through surgery, there are other treatment options available to you. Contact us today for more information about our non-surgical treatments or to set up an appointment with one of our specialists. We can help get you back on your feet and enjoying life again in no time.

Are You Looking for a Sports Medicine Physician You Can Trust?

 

Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions.  Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!

 

Previous Article          Home          Next Article