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 isn’t 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.