Question
What is olecranon bursitis and how is it treated?
Answer
The olecranon bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts like a cushion to protect the bony protuberance on the back of the elbow. When it is inflamed and swollen it can get amazingly large, as it can accommodate a lot of fluid. It can be drained, but often fills back up. The best long-term solution is compression wrapping with something like an ace bandage or neoprene elbow sleeve and avoiding direct contact on hard surfaces.
The olecranon bursa can get infected and that is a potentially serious problem. If any signs of infection occur, one should seek immediate attention.