When you experience pain on the inside of your elbow, it is likely that you have a bursa sac. This sac is filled with fluid and helps to cushion the joint. If the bursa becomes inflamed, it can be very painful. In some cases, it may be necessary to drain the bursa sac yourself. In this blog post, we will discuss when it is necessary to do this and how to go about doing it safely!
An elbow bursa is a small sac of fluid that sits over the elbow joint. Its main purpose is to cushion the joint and help reduce friction. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it is known as bursitis. This can be caused by repetitive motion, injury, or infection. Bursitis can be extremely painful and make it difficult to move the elbow.
There are a few different scenarios in which you may need to drain an elbow bursa. If the bursa is severely inflamed, it may be necessary to drain it in order to relieve pain and pressure. Additionally, if the bursa becomes infected, it will need to be drained in order to clear the infection. Finally, if you have a large amount of fluid buildup in the bursa, draining it may be necessary to prevent further pain and inflammation.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to drain an elbow bursa, there are a few things you need to do. First, you will need to sterilize the area. You can do this by cleaning it with soap and water or using an alcohol swab. Next, you will need to find a small needle and clean it with rubbing alcohol. Once the needle is sterilized, you will need to insert it into the bursa sac. Be sure to do this at a 45 degree angle. Finally, you will need to slowly release the fluid from the bursa sac. Once all of the fluid has been released, you can remove the needle and apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth.
When draining an elbow bursa, it is important to be as sterile as possible. Be sure to clean the area well and use a clean needle. Additionally, be sure to release the fluid slowly in order to avoid further pain or inflammation. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Now that we have discussed when and how to drain an elbow bursa, you may be wondering if it is advisable to do this yourself. While it is possible to drain a bursa sac yourself, it is generally not recommended. This is because there is a risk of further injury or infection. Additionally, the procedure can be quite painful. If you are considering draining a bursa sac yourself, be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider first. They will be able to advise you on whether or not it is safe for you to do so.
There are a few things you can do at home to help take care of an inflamed bursa sac. First, you can apply ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation. Finally, be sure to rest the affected joint as much as possible. This will give the bursa sac time to heal.
There are a few different scenarios in which you should call for medical help. If you are having difficulty moving your elbow or the pain is severe, you should call for help. Additionally, if the bursa sac becomes hot to the touch or starts to ooze pus, you should seek medical attention immediately as this could be signs of an infection. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider.
If you’re experiencing elbow pain and think you may have a bursa infection, it’s best to contact us for help. We can take a look at your injury and determine the best course of treatment for you. Don’t try to drain the bursa yourself–you could make the infection worse. Let us help you get back to doing what you love as quickly as possible.
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!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com