Symptoms of Infection
The symptoms of an infected Bursa are redness, welling, tenderness and pain of the elbow area and may resemble a ball on top of the elbow. You may experience warmth of the area as well and the Bursa could burst and drain puss from it. Fluid build up and puss indicates infection and is a good sign you should visit your doctor.
Your doctor can run several tests to be sure the cause of your symptoms. A physical examination, X-ray, taking a sample of the fluid and/or drawing of the blood will determine if the issue is being caused by something else and if the elbow is in fact, infected. 20% of those suffering Olecranon Bursitis have cases of site infection.
Treatment Options
If the site is not infected, restriction of use maybe recommended and the use of a support product that compresses the area to reduce inflammation. This process can be aided by anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may also choose to manually drain the site of fluid. If it is infected, more serious treatment is required such as the use of antibiotics or bursa removal via surgery.
Who Is At Risk?
Middle aged men who do strenuous activity, for work or exercise are most at risk of OA, but athletes, older people, anyone who's experienced trauma or damage to the elbow or who's family members have OA are also at risk.
Determining This Is Your Condition
If you experience signs and symptoms, your doctor can further assist you in finding the root cause and best individualized treatment option. Your doctor will ask you to perform several mobility and range of motion tests, as well as take X-Rays to rule out other causes such as stress fracture or cracks in the bone.
Treatment Options
Employing the least invasive, lowest risk treatment options first, you maybe recommended to restrict activity, take physical therapy sessions or try hot/cold treatments to reduce pain and improve strength. Using a support product, such as an elbow sleeve, can give you a sense of healing and keep the joint warm during use, reduce inflammation that causes pain, and improve circulation of blood and nutrients.
If these have not reduced your pain and improved your elbow function, than there are more serious options to consider. Over the counter and prescription pain medications maybe recommended, as well as 4 different surgeries that could assist in the event you have a qualifying cause. These options are very serious considerations and may require physical therapy and other lifestyle adjustments post surgery.
Future With OA
Although the damaged caused by Osteoarthritis usually cannot be reversed, pain can be minimized and quality of life restored by employing the treatment options that you are comfortable with and work for you
