From the Research
Treatment for olecranon bursitis should prioritize conservative measures, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, with surgical intervention reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment or for recurrent episodes, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and prevent complications. Conservative measures are the first line of treatment and include:
- Rest: avoiding activities that aggravate the condition
- Ice: applying ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily to reduce pain and inflammation
- Compression: using an elastic bandage to compress the affected area
- Elevation: elevating the affected elbow above the level of the heart to reduce swelling Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily) or naproxen (500mg twice daily), can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe cases, aspiration of the bursa fluid may be performed by a healthcare provider to relieve pressure, but this should be done with caution, as it may increase the risk of infection. Corticosteroid injections, such as methylprednisolone 40mg or triamcinolone 10-40mg, may be considered for refractory cases, but they are associated with a higher complication rate, including bursal infection and skin atrophy 1. Surgical intervention, such as bursectomy, is reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment or for recurrent episodes. It is essential to note that the treatment of olecranon bursitis should be individualized, and the decision to use aspiration, corticosteroid injections, or surgical intervention should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option 2, 3.