Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Swollen Elbow (Olecranon Bursitis)
Content

Ask An Expert

Swollen Elbow (Olecranon Bursitis)

Noah Weiss

Noah Weiss, M.D.

Novato Community Hospital

Surgery Center Division

Question:

My right elbow has been swollen for a few days, and it feels like it's full of fluid. I don't remember injuring it, and I don't really feel any pain. I tried icing it, but the swelling did not go down. What could this be and should I see my doctor?

Answer:

The first thing I would like to know is the exact location of the swelling. Often, people will notice swelling on the back of the elbow. You can develop a soft, squishy collection of fluid that is called olecranon bursitis. This form of elbow swelling is actually outside the elbow joint itself. This can range from a sense of thickening on the back of the elbow to a substantial collection of fluid, bigger than an egg.

Olecranon bursitis typically is not painful. Initial treatment usually consists of a compressive ace wrap and ice. Often we drain these in the office. The big risk is getting an infected olecranon bursitis, which is more serious.

True swelling inside the elbow joint is much rarer, and may be due to arthritis, or a more severe injury. This type of swelling is marked by loss of motion and stiffness, and often pain. This type of swelling needs to be evaluated by a specialist.

Related Questions

Question
  • Numbness and Tingling in the Hands
    I wake up with my right hand numb. My thumb and middle finger seem the worst. It takes awhile for the numbness to wear off. I work in a grocery store, so I'm always on my feet and on the register. What should I do?
  • Recurrence of a Ganglion Cyst
    I had wrist surgery in January for a ganglion cyst on the inside of my wrist. It was painful and affected my quality of life. It was healing well until six weeks ago. The cyst has returned and is causing the same symptoms prior to surgery. What can I do?
  • Treatment for Ganglion Cyst
    I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
  • Olecranon Bursitis Symptoms and Treatment
    What is olecranon bursitis and how is it treated?
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
    I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?

Back to Bones, Joints and Muscles

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences