olecranon bursitis

Guess who (yet again) has a swollen elbow since this morning...

I have just been to Liverpool Street's Walk-In Centre (very recommendable) and I have been diagnosed with olecranon bursitis. And what is olecranon bursitis, I hear you ask. Nothing to worry, here's what it is.

Olecranon bursitis is inflammation and swelling behind the elbow. It often clears on its own. Treatment may be needed in some cases to reduce the inflammation and clear any build up of fluid.

What is the olecranon bursa?
The olecranon is the top part of the ulna bone. It is the bony part of the back of the elbow - the bit that you lean on. A bursa is a small sac that contains a small amount of fluid. The fluid is similar to the fluid in joints (synovial fluid). There are several bursae in the body including one just over the olecranon. Bursae help to make movement smooth between bones which 'stick out' and the overlying skin.

What is olecranon bursitis?
Bursitis means inflammation of a bursa. The bursa at the back of the elbow over the olecranon is the commonest bursa to become inflamed. Inflammation causes swelling and extra fluid to be made.

For more information on olecranon bursitis please check this link for the Patient UK website.