What is olecranon bursitis?
At the back of your elbow you have a small fluid filled sac called the olecranon bursa. Its role is to lubricate your elbow joint. In olecranon bursitis, the olecranon bursa is damaged and becomes inflamed.
What causes olecranon bursitis?
There are several causes for olecranon bursitis. Most often it occurs as a result of repetitive or prolonged activities that stress the olecranon bursa.
For instance – long amounts of pressure on the bursa from resting your elbow on a hard surface, repetitive falls, repetitive straightening of the elbow against a resistance.
It can also occur more suddenly if you have a direct force to the elbow – eg. From a fall onto a hard surface.
Above: Burtitis in the elbow may be due to repetive tasks requiring use of the wrist and elbow causing increased pain on movement.What are the symptoms of olecranon bursitis?
If you have olecranon bursitis you may be experiencing:
- Pain/ache in the back of your elbow
- Pain that increases when leaning on your elbow or bending and straightening it
- Swelling in the back of your elbow
- Stiffness when moving your elbow
- Weakness in elbow movement ??? particularly when straightening it
- A visible lump or bulge over the back of your elbow
- Tenderness over the back of your elbow
Your symptoms are likely to increase with activity.
How is olecranon bursitis Diagnosed?
A thorough assessment by a doctor or one of our trained physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio can identify if you have olecranon bursitis.
For more information on how physiotherapy can help treat olecranon bursitis, or to book an assessment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for olecranon bursitis involve?
If you book in for an appointment, the first session would be spent doing a comprehensive assessment before deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will divide this into two parts:
Subjective
A discussion between you and our physiotherapist to find out where in your arm the pain is, how long it has been there, what activities aggravate and ease your symptoms and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
An assessment of your pain, range of movement, muscle strength and a series of special tests to rule out other possible conditions.
Above: An assessment looking at range of motion for olecranon-burtitisWhat would physiotherapy treatment for olecranon bursitis involve?
At Liverpool Physio, we believe it is important to tailor all our patient???s treatment sessions to their interests and personal goals. Some of the treatments you may receive as part of your treatment are listed below:
- Ice treatment
- Heat treatment
- Light massage
- Compression bandaging
- Exercises for muscle strength and flexibility
- Advice on activity modification
- Stretches
- electrotherapy
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for olecranon bursitis?
If you are experiencing pain, aching swelling or stiffness around your elbow or wrist, and feel unable to continue your daily activity, you would benefit from an assessment at Liverpool Physio.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
Summary
Olecranon bursitis is a condition which may cause a visible deformity over the back of your elbow, and can cause pain and stiffness upon moving your elbow.
Our experienced physiotherapists can do their best to treat this condition and help you get back to your normal activity.
For more information on how physiotherapy can help treat olecranon bursitis, or to book an assessment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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