25 Jun Treating Elbow Bursitis
Have you recently begun to experience pain and discomfort around your elbow joint? If this is the case, you may be dealing with the condition known as elbow bursitis. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our team is well versed in this overuse injury. Our sports medicine specialist, Dr. Roth, will help diagnose this condition before moving forward with an optimal treatment plan.
What Is Elbow Bursitis?
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning for the bones, tendons, and muscles around a joint. When the joint is subject to overuse, it can cause the bursae to become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain. Although this condition can happen to any of the many bursae in your body, bursitis most commonly affects the below joints:
- Shoulder.
- Hip.
- Elbow.
Symptoms Of Elbow Bursitis
If you’re an athlete dealing with elbow bursitis, you know how uncomfortable this can be. That is why seeking out treatment promptly is imperative. Dr. Roth, our sports medicine specialist, has helped many patients overcome this issue in the past. Should you develop any of the below symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our team:
- Extreme joint pain.
- Redness, swelling, or discoloration around the elbow.
- Inability to bend the joint.
- Sensitivity to the touch.
- Elbow tenderness.
Causes Of Elbow Bursitis
As previously stated, elbow bursitis is an overuse injury. When the elbow is exposed to constant stresses, like the ones that can take place during sports, it can lead to irritation development of the bursa. However, other instances may also lead to the progression of elbow bursitis. Examples of these stimulants can include any of the following:
- Trauma sustained to the elbow.
- Repeatedly putting pressure on the joint.
- Infections.
- Conditions such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Having a history of bursitis.
Preventing Elbow Bursitis
At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our team knows that the best form of treatment is always preventing the injury altogether. As our lead sports medicine specialist, Dr. Roth is fully aware of the ways patients can avoid and prevent elbow bursitis. To steer clear of this significant complication, we recommend the following techniques:
- Take the time to stretch before physical activity.
- Always utilize the proper technique and mechanics.
- Stick to a consistent exercise routine.
- Limit the amount of time spent leaning on your elbow.
- Avoid hits or prolonged pressure to the tip of the joint.
Treatment of Elbow Bursitis
Even after taking the time to take precautionary actions against developing elbow bursitis, unfortunately, there’s still a risk for the condition to manifest. When this occurs, you’ll need the help of a professional to limit the chances of suffering long term effects. Dr. Roth, our sports medicine specialist at New York Sports Medicine Institute, can provide the quality orthopedic care that you require. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your bursitis, he will decide which of the below treatment methods will likely be the most beneficial to you:
- Medication: For mild cases of elbow bursitis, pain and anti-inflammatory medication may be all that is needed to manage the condition.
- Therapy: Dr. Roth may recommend that you attend physical therapy to help treat elbow bursitis. During this method of treatment, you’ll be taught a series of stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around your elbow, which will likely reduce the irritation of your bursae.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery will be the only option to treat your bursitis. Some operations will involve the inflamed bursa being drained. However, on much rarer occasions, the bursa will need to be completely removed.
Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute
Overuse injuries, such as elbow bursitis, can quickly drag down your quality of life. When you’re unable to move your elbow without experiencing pain and discomfort, you’ll need the help of an expert to rectify this issue. Dr. Roth has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to treating elbow bursitis, and can help get you back to full strength. For more information about this condition, or to schedule an appointment for treatment, contact us today.