Olecranon Bursitis Treatment in Joondalup and Perth's Northern Suburbs
Swelling and pain at the tip of the elbow that makes leaning on your arm uncomfortable — olecranon bursitis is usually straightforward to manage conservatively when caught early.
Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that sits directly over the bony tip of the elbow. When irritated, the bursa fills with fluid and swells visibly.
While it can look alarming, most non-infected cases resolve well with conservative care. The goal is to reduce the swelling, identify and remove the cause, and help prevent recurrence.
What Causes Olecranon Bursitis?
The bursa over the elbow tip may become irritated by repeated pressure, direct trauma, repetitive movement, inflammatory conditions, or infection.
- Repeated pressure from leaning on hard surfaces
- A direct blow or fall onto the elbow
- Repetitive elbow flexion and extension in sport or manual work
- Inflammatory conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- Infection following a skin break over the elbow
Non-Infected vs Infected Bursitis
It is important to distinguish non-infected, or aseptic, bursitis from infected, or septic, bursitis.
Infected bursitis may involve significant redness, warmth, and systemic signs and requires medical management. We will advise you if we have any concerns during your assessment.
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually centred directly over the bony tip of the elbow.
- A soft, fluid-filled swelling at the tip of the elbow
- Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied directly to the elbow tip
- Discomfort with full elbow flexion in more significant cases
- Warmth and redness over the swelling in inflammatory or early infective presentations
What the Research Shows
Conservative management is consistently supported as first-line care for non-infected olecranon bursitis.
- Conservative management is the starting point for non-infected olecranon bursitis, with aspiration and surgery reserved for cases that do not respond.
- The 2017 Basson et al. systematic review found broader support for neural mobilisation and manual techniques in upper-limb presentations involving periarticular structures. This is relevant when ulnar-nerve irritation accompanies bursitis around the cubital region.
- A 2019 study by Meade et al. reported good outcomes with endoscopic bursectomy for cases requiring surgery, confirming that conservative management is the appropriate starting point and that surgical options remain available when needed.
How We Can Help
Care begins by identifying what is repeatedly compressing or irritating the bursa, then protecting the elbow while the swelling settles.
Cold laser may be applied around the olecranon bursa without direct compression to reduce inflammatory fluid and pain.
Learn more about Cold Laser Therapy or visit Cold Laser Perth .
Electrotherapy pads may be placed on either side of the elbow to apply current through the region and help reduce fluid accumulation, particularly during the first week when swelling is most pronounced.
A compression and offloading technique may be applied over and around the olecranon to support the bursa, reduce further fluid accumulation, and protect the area from contact during daily activity.
Once the acute phase settles, soft tissue therapy may be applied to the triceps and surrounding tissue to reduce tension pulling on the olecranon and restore comfortable elbow movement.
Elbow loading is gradually reintroduced once the bursa has settled, with guidance on returning to the activities that caused the problem without triggering a recurrence.
Persistent Elbow Swelling Is Worth Assessing
Lakeside Chiropractic is based in Joondalup and sees patients from Currambine, Woodvale, Kingsley, Duncraig, Wanneroo, Tapping, Carramar, Heathridge, Edgewater, Mullaloo, Padbury, Banksia Grove, Yanchep, Gnangara, and across Perth's northern suburbs.
Call us on 9300 0095 or visit lakesidechiro.com.au .
Disclaimer: This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified health professional to discuss your individual circumstances.
References
- Basson A, et al. The effectiveness of neural mobilization for neuromusculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(9):593-615. PMID 28704626
- Meade TC, et al. Surgical outcomes in endoscopic versus open bursectomy of the septic prepatellar or olecranon bursa. Orthopedics. 2019;42(4):e381-e384. PMID 30913297
Location Details
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
