From the FDA Drug Label
• For relief of the signs and symptoms of bursitis The treatment for olecranon (elbow) bursitis is relief of the signs and symptoms of bursitis using naproxen, as indicated in the drug label 1.
- The dosage is not specified in the provided drug label for this particular condition.
- Naproxen may be used for the management of pain associated with bursitis.
- It is essential to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals 1.
From the Research
Treatment for olecranon bursitis should begin with conservative measures, including rest, ice application, compression, and elevation, and may include empiric antibiotic therapy without bursal aspiration for suspected septic cases, as supported by the most recent study 2. The initial approach to managing olecranon bursitis involves conservative measures such as:
- Rest
- Ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily
- Compression with an elastic bandage
- Elevation of the affected arm Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (500mg twice daily) can help reduce pain and inflammation. For suspected septic olecranon bursitis, empiric antibiotic therapy without bursal aspiration may be a reasonable initial approach, as shown in a recent study 2, where 88% of patients had uncomplicated resolution without needing subsequent bursal aspiration, hospitalization, or surgery. Activity modification is crucial, avoiding direct pressure on the elbow and any movements that worsen symptoms. In cases of infection, antibiotics such as cephalexin (500mg four times daily for 7-10 days) are prescribed, identifiable by warmth, redness, and systemic symptoms. Surgical intervention (bursectomy) is typically reserved for recurrent or chronic cases that don't respond to other treatments. A protective elbow pad is recommended during recovery to prevent recurrence by reducing direct pressure on the olecranon process. These treatments aim to address the underlying inflammation of the bursa, which is the fluid-filled sac allowing smooth movement between the skin and bone at the elbow, as discussed in various studies 3, 4, 5, 6.