Olecranon Bursitis Treatment in Raleigh, NC

What Is Olecranon Bursitis?

The olecranon bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that sits between the bony tip of the elbow (olecranon) and the overlying skin. Its job is to cushion and reduce friction. When irritated or injured, it fills with excess fluid and swells — sometimes dramatically — producing the characteristic soft lump at the elbow tip.

Olecranon bursitis can be:

• Traumatic: Direct blow to the elbow tip (fall, strike)
• Chronic repetitive pressure: Leaning on the elbow repeatedly (desk workers, students, plumbers)
• Septic (infected): Bacteria enter through a skin break and infect the bursa — requires antibiotics and often drainage
• Inflammatory: Associated with gout, rheumatoid arthritis

Non-Septic Bursitis — Treatment

• Protective padding: Elbow pad to prevent further direct pressure — often the only treatment needed for mild cases
• Activity modification: Avoid leaning on the elbow
• Aspiration: Draining the bursa with a needle in the office — immediate relief, though recurrence is possible
• Corticosteroid injection: After aspiration, a small cortisone injection reduces the likelihood of refilling
• Compression wrap: Applied after aspiration to reduce refilling

Surgical Bursectomy

For chronic olecranon bursitis that recurs repeatedly despite aspiration and padding, surgical removal of the bursa (bursectomy) is definitive treatment. Performed as outpatient surgery through a small incision over the elbow tip. Recovery 3–4 weeks with wound care.

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