Olecranon bursitis
Olecranon bursitis is a condition that can cause swelling at the back of the elbow, making it uncomfortable to move your arm, lean on your elbow or carrying out simple everyday tasks.
What is olecranon bursitis?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the tissues around a joint, helping muscles, tendons and bones move smoothly over one another. Olecranon bursitis occurs when the bursa at the tip of the elbow becomes inflamed and swollen. This often causes a noticeable lump at the back of the elbow, which may be uncomfortable, particularly when leaning on the joint or bending the arm. The condition can develop after a direct injury, repeated pressure on the elbow, infection, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Because treatment depends on the underlying cause, it's important to have persistent swelling assessed so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but commonly include:
- Swelling at the back of the elbow
- Pain or tenderness around the elbow
- Reduced elbow movement due to swelling
- Warmth or redness around the elbow if the bursa is infected
- Pus or fluid leaking from the swelling in some cases of infection
- Feeling generally unwell if the infection becomes more severe
If your elbow becomes increasingly swollen, red, warm or painful, or you develop a fever, it's important to seek urgent medical assessment, as this may be a sign of an infection.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by talking to you about your symptoms, your medical history and any recent injuries, activities or health conditions that may have contributed to the swelling. They'll then examine your elbow, assessing the size of the swelling and looking for signs of infection or other underlying causes.
To understand the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- X-rays to identify any bone fragments or bony growths (bone spurs) where appropriate
- Aspiration (removing a small sample of fluid from the bursa) if infection or gout is suspected
How is it treated?
Your consultant will explain your treatment options clearly and work with you to recommend the approach that's right for you. Together, we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to the cause of your bursitis, your symptoms and your recovery goals.
Treatment may include:
- Draining excess fluid from the bursa (aspiration)
- Resting and protecting the elbow
- Activity modification to reduce pressure on the joint
- Elbow pads to protect the area while it heals
- Anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
- Antibiotics if the bursitis is caused by an infection
- Steroid injections in selected cases where there is no infection
- Surgery if symptoms continue despite treatment or an infection does not respond to antibiotics
Treatment routes for Olecranon bursitis
Many people with olecranon bursitis improve without surgery.
Treatment usually focuses on reducing swelling, protecting the elbow and treating the underlying cause. This may include aspiration, activity modification, elbow padding and medication where appropriate. If the bursitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics will usually be prescribed.
Our aim is to reduce pain and swelling, restore comfortable movement and help you return to your everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Recovery goals after Olecranon bursitis
Recovery initially focuses on:
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the elbow while it heals Treating any infection where present Beginning gentle movement when appropriate
As healing progresses, rehabilitation aims to:
Restore elbow movement Improve strength and function Increase confidence using your arm Return to normal daily activities
The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on:
Returning to work, sport or recreation where appropriate Improving strength and endurance Protecting the elbow during everyday activities Reducing the risk of symptoms returning
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Olecranon bursitis FAQs
Recovery depends on the underlying cause and the treatment you need. Many people improve within a few weeks with non-surgical treatment, although recovery may take longer if the bursa is infected or surgery is required.
Not usually. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatment, including aspiration, activity modification and medication where appropriate. Surgery is generally only recommended if symptoms continue despite treatment or an infection does not respond to antibiotics.
Yes. Symptoms can return, particularly if the elbow is repeatedly subjected to pressure or if an underlying condition such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis isn't well controlled. Your consultant will discuss ways to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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