Fluid on Elbow

The condition of fluid on elbow is also known as elbow bursitis or olecranon bursitis. In this condition, there is fluid build up in a sac located behind the elbow joint, which is known as olecranon bursa. It is actually a slippery tissue that enables smooth movements around the bony prominences located behind the elbow joint. Inflammation of the bursa leads to fluid accumulation in the sacs. This gives rise to swelling and pain around the elbow joint.

Causes of Fluid on the Elbow

The common cause of fluid accumulation on elbow is perpetual pressure on the elbow joint. The pressure on the joint can either be caused due to body weight on the elbow or it can also be caused due to repeated similar movements of the elbow. It can also be caused due to trauma to the elbow joint or the impact of a fall on the elbow joint. If the elbow joint pops for any reason it can also cause the condition. Arthritis is also one of the causes of this elbow condition. The bursa in the elbow can get inflamed due to arthritis, giving rise to this condition. However, it must be noted that very few cases of elbow bursitis are caused by arthritis. Gout is another cause of this condition. Infection to the bursa can also lead to the condition. The most common cause of this condition is 'no apparent reason'. But there exists a possibility, that a previous injury to the elbow was neglected.

Symptoms of Fluid on the Elbow

It is not possible to see or feel a bursa. The first symptom that can be seen of this condition is thickening of the skin along with swelling around the elbow joint. There can be a cyst like formation, due to filling of fluid in the sac. There may or may not be mild joint pain, it may or may not affect movement of the elbow. However, if there is infection then normally there is pain around the joint accompanied by redness and tenderness under the elbow.

Treatment

For treating this elbow condition, rest is said to be the best medicine. It is important to rest the elbow as much as possible. After the pain and swelling subsides, regular movements can be started gradually, but at one go. To reduce inflammation, pain and redness ice pack can be applied on the elbow. However, it is important not to use the ice directly on the affected body part as a part of bursitis elbow treatment. Always use the ice pack covered in towel or plastic bag. The ice should not be placed on the elbow for more than 10 minutes at any given point of time. However, you can use the ice pack three to four times a day. Compression techniques can also be used to treat the condition. Keeping the elbow in a raised position helps to treat the condition as well. If the pain is unbearable, then anti-inflammatory medicines can be prescribed for elbow bursitis treatment. It will also prove to be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling around the elbow joint.

If there is a lot of fluid buildup on the elbow, then it may become necessary to drain the fluid. Normally syringe and needle method is used. If fluid builds up again, then tight pressure bandage may have to be used to prevent fluid build up. If there is an infection, then antibiotics will be prescribed to get rid of the infection. More often than not with antibiotics the fluid build up also reduces and there is no need for any other treatment for fluid on the elbow. If none of the options work, then surgery is the last option which will have to be used. In that case the bursa is removed totally, which prevents any more fluid buildup totally. In some cases burisitis physical therapy may be prescribed.

The best medicine for fluid on elbow is to avoid putting pressure on the elbow itself. In case of a trauma take care till the elbow heals from the trauma. If you see any signs of fluid on the elbow, then take care so that the condition does not aggravate. Rest the elbow, so that the condition can be contained in a limited time span.