ELBOW BURSITIS, RADIO-HUMERAL |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Inflammation of the radio-humeral bursa in the elbow. Bursitis may vary in degree from mild irritation to an abscess formation that causes excruciating pain. In acute bursitis at the elbow, blood from an injury usually causes the inflammation. Bursitis will continue until the blood is removed or reabsorbed. Chronic bursitis results from undertreated acute bursitis and usually requires surgery to repair.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Bursa between the radius and humerus (arm bones) where they meet in the elbow. This bursa is a soft sac filled with lubricating fluid that facilitates motion between the radius and humerus.
Soft tissue surrounding the elbow, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels (both large vessels and capillaries), periosteum (the outside lining of bone) and muscles.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Pain at the elbow.
Tenderness.
Swelling.
Redness (sometimes) over the affected bursa.
Fever, if infection is present.
Limited elbow movement.
CAUSES
Direct blow to the elbow or forearm.
Acute or chronic infection.
Arthritis.
Gout.
Unknown (frequently).
RISK INCREASES WITH
Participating in competitive athletics, particularly contact sports.
Previous history of bursitis in any joint.
Exposure to cold weather.
Poor conditioning and inadequate warmup before exercise.
Inadequate protective equipment in contact sports.
HOW TO PREVENT
Use protective elbow pads for contact sports.
Wear warm clothing in cold weather.
To prevent recurrence, continue to wear extra protection over the elbow until healing is complete.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's treatment.
Surgery (sometimes), particularly for a frozen elbow or for a severely infected joint that drains to the outside.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
X-rays of the elbow and wrist.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Temporary or permanent limitation of elbow's normal mobility.
Prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon.
Proneness to repeated flare-ups.
Unstable or arthritic elbow following repeated episodes of bursitis.
Spontaneous rupture of bursa if severe infection is present.
PROBABLE OUTCOMERadio-humeral bursitis is a common problem. Symptoms usually subside in 3 to 4 weeks with treatment. If serious infection occurs and surgery is needed, allow 6 to 8 weeks for healing.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDNone. This problem develops slowly.
CONTINUING CARE
Use frequent ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.
After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
Use a sling to support the elbow joint, if needed. Don't exercise the elbow with the palm turned up or down.
Elevate the elbow above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of fluid. Use pillows for propping.
Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Corticosteroid injections into the bursa to reduce inflammation.
Prescription pain relievers for severe pain. Use non-prescription acetaminophen or ibuprofen (available under many trade names) for mild pain.
Injection into the inflamed bursa of a long-lasting local anesthetic mixed with a corticosteroid drug, such as triamcinolone.
Antibiotics if the bursa is infected.
ACTIVITYRest the inflamed area as much as possible. If you must resume normal activity immediately, wear a sling until the pain becomes more bearable. To prevent a frozen elbow, begin normal, slow joint movement as soon as possible.
DIETEat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity. Your doctor may suggest vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.
REHABILITATIONSee section on rehabilitation exercises.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of elbow bursitis.
Pain increases despite treatment.
Any of the following occur after surgery:
Pain, swelling, tenderness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
You develop signs of infection (headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever).
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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