In many cases, the cause is not known. likely to get olecranon bursitis. Patients on dialysis seem to be at particular risk for olecranon bursitis (for reasons that are not entirely clear). You can also develop olecranon bursitis if you suffer from systemic diseases like gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Olecranon bursitis is when the sac between your elbow bone and your skin gets swollen. Olecranon bursitis is a condition characterized by swelling, redness, and pain at the tip of the elbow. Symptoms Gradual swelling at the back of the elbow might not be noticed at first. Those with conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or kidney failure needing dialysis can be more likely to get olecranon bursitis. Sometimes the swelling develops quickly. A common cause of olecranon bursitis is trauma, such as falling on the elbow or hitting the elbow on a hard surface. Symptoms. Knees (prepatellar bursitis or housemaid’s knee). This can occur during any sporting event when someone has a fall on their elbow and has been described often in football, hockey, basketball, and volleyball players. Most of the time, the bursitis does not cause pain. Olecranon bursitis can be classified in multiple ways: Infectious (Septic): Approximately 20% of all bursitis cases are caused by bacterial infections; rarely bursitis is caused by fungi and algae. The swelling can worsen to look like a soft golf ball at the tip of the elbow (see Figure 2). Feet (name varies depending on location, commonly in the big toe, heel or ball of the foot). Olecranon bursitis is a condition in which swelling and inflammation occur in a small fluid-filled sac (the bursa) at the tip of the elbow. The best way to prevent the most common type of bursitis is to avoid repetitive motion of a joint, especially if you are overweight. Elbows (olecranon bursitis, sometimes called miner’s or barfly’s elbow). Bursitis usually lasts for only days or weeks, but it can last months or years, especially if the cause, such as overuse, is not identified or changed. Shoulders (subacromial bursitis). There are two types of olecranon bursitis: Infected (septic) Non-infected (aseptic) Causes. Prevention. Olecranon bursitis treatment for symptoms not caused by an infection may include RICE: Rest : Limit the use of your elbow, which gives the tissues a little R & R. Ice : Apply ice packs to the affected part of your elbow for 20 minutes at a time, at least every two hours. Causes of Olecranon Bursitis: This form of elbow injury can be caused from over use of the joint, an infection, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or trauma to the tip of the elbow. Trauma, such as hitting the elbow or falling on the back of the elbow, can lead to olecranon bursitis and has been described often in football, hockey, basketball, and volleyball players. Gradual swelling at the back of the elbow might not be noticed at first. In many cases, the cause is not known. Olecranon bursitis can be caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, and therefore the presentation may be colored by co-existing symptoms of those conditions (for example, arthrosis within the elbow itself). Olecranon bursitis is often “idiopathic” meaning there is no clear cause other than bad luck. If the underlying cause is due to an infection, fever may be present. Sometimes the swelling develops quickly. Hips (iliopectineal or trochanteric bursitis). What is olecranon bursitis? Often patients with olecranon bursitis will have bone spurs in this area. It also may be caused by repetitive irritation such as leaning on the elbow. The condition is relatively common and is one of the most frequent types of bursitis. The bursa forms a soft cover over the elbow tip and allows the skin to glide smoothly when one bends and extends the elbow. 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