Struggling with swelling, tenderness, pain, or a limited range of motion in your elbow? Are these symptoms of elbow bursitis, also called "olecranon bursitis impacting your everyday activities? Don’t worry! Simple, effective home treatments such as ice therapy, rest, and compression can bring relief and speed up recovery in mild cases. However, if you don't find relief, seek medical attention.
Let’s explore effective elbow bursitis treatment at home that can help manage your symptoms.
Elbow Bursitis Treatment at Home: 10 Effective Relief Strategies
Consider these home treatments so that you can get back to your normal activities with more mobility and less discomfort.
1. Rest Your Elbow
Give rest to your elbow by avoiding tasks that worsen the symptoms such as inflammation.
Use a brace or splint to immobilize and support the impacted joint, preventing pressure on the elbow.
How to do: Give a rest to your elbow by avoiding lifting heavy things or using the elbow in the same position for a long period. In addition, also restricts the movement to speed up healing.
2. Try Ice Therapy
Research says that ice therapy provides relief of pain by reducing swelling.
Use either an ice pack or a cold compress to apply this therapy.
How to do: Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and then apply it to the affected area for around 20 minutes. Repeat the process many times a day. Don't directly put the ice on the skin to reduce the risk of frostbite.
3. Use Compression
Compression bandages provide a very gentle pressure on the impacted area.
This reduces swelling, eases pain, and supports the elbow for everyday activities.
How to use: Wrap a compression sleeve or an elastic bandage around your elbow. Don't wrap it tightly as this can block blood flow. The compression can relieve pain and swelling, and also stabilize the joint.
4. Elevate Your Elbow
Elevating the elbow drains out the accumulated fluids from the affected area.
This helps minimize swelling in that site.
How to do: Elevate your elbow by putting a soft pillow or cushion under it, particularly when lying down. Make sure to raise the elbow above the heart level to get effective results.
5. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help alleviate elbow pain.
Additionally, these medications can also be used to reduce inflammation, ensuring comfort during recovery.
How to take: Use the medication as directed on the packing label. Do not use more than the recommended dose as it can lead to certain side effects such as nausea, allergic reaction, or upset stomach.
6. Practice Gentle Stretches & Strengthening Exercises
Once the swelling subsides, practice stretches and also gentle strengthening exercises such as forearm stretch or assisted elbow flexion.
These exercises can strengthen the flexibility of the elbow and also prevent the sudden worsening of the condition in the future.
How to do:
Forearm stretch: Put the hands on the table with palms towards you and then straighten your arms. Hold it for 20 seconds and then repeat it 3 times.
Assisted elbow flexion: Bend your elbow to a very comfortable point and then gently press it using your other hand. Hold it for 20 seconds and repeat it 3 times.
7. Use Warm Compresses
Use heat pads or warm compresses after the initial phase of inflammation (typically after 48-72 hours of the inflammation).
They help improve blood flow and also minimize stiffness in the elbow joint.
How to use: Apply a heating pad or a warm compress to the injured area for 15–20 minutes. Make sure to consider this heat therapy only when the swelling has decreased.
8. Apply OTC Anti-Inflammatory Creams or Gels
Use topical anti-inflammatory gels or creams that contain NSAIDs, capsaicin, or menthol such as diclofenac
These active ingredients relieve pain and minimize inflammation at the injured site.
How to use: Apply the gel or cream to the injured area. Make sure to follow the directions given on the packaging label.
9. Avoid Irritating Activities
Avoid repetitive motions or direct pressure on your elbows, as these can worsen symptoms.
Adjust your exercise or work routine to reduce the risk of further irritation.
How to do: Be cautious when frequently bending the elbows or lying on hard surfaces. If your job requires repetitive movement of elbows, adjust the position or use protective elbow pads.
10. Make Lifestyle Changes
Quit smoking. One study reports that smoking can reduce blood flow, resulting in a slow healing process.
Also, maintain a healthy diet as it provides vital nutrients, helping speed up recovery.
How to do: Quit smoking and focus more on a healthy diet. Have green vegetables, fruits, and also omega-3 fatty acids-rich foods such as walnuts or salmon and walnuts. They have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing inflammation and pain.
Now that we’ve discussed the best home treatments, let’s look at when you might need professional care.
When to See a Doctor?
Although home treatments can effectively manage mild cases, it's crucial to seek professional help if:
your symptoms worsen or continue
you experience a sudden increase in swelling or severe pain
your swelling is accompanied by infection signs such as drainage, increased redness, or warmth
you notice a rash or bruising
you develop a fever or chills
Note: The doctors might recommend treatments such as antibiotics, corticosteroid injections, or surgery such as bursectomy and osteotomy (in rare, chronic cases).
Understanding The Causes and Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis
Understanding the causes and symptoms helps with early intervention and prevention.
Causes of Elbow Bursitis
The causes include:
Repetitive motion of the elbow joint (like at work or during sports)
Pressure in the elbow for a long period (seen while leaning on hard surfaces)
Injury or trauma to the elbow, causing inflammation
Infection in tissues near the burs
Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis
Symptoms may include:
Pain or tenderness around the injured area.
Limited elbow joint movement
Swelling around the elbow
Redness and warmth over the swollen area
Tips to prevent Elbow Bursitis
Consider these preventive measures to avoid bursitis in the future:
Avoid overuse of the elbow as much as you can
Follow the appropriate technique or posture for work or sports activities.
Do not kneel or sit down for a long period as it puts too much strain on your joints.
Wear elbow pads or use cushions if your job requires leaning or kneeling your elbows
Take a break in between the tasks that need repetitive movement of the elbow
Summary
Rest, ice therapy, warm compresses, OTC pain relievers, topical gels or creams, and gentle exercises, are effective home solutions for managing discomfort for those specifically looking for elbow bursitis treatment at home, these remedies can provide significant relief and can aid in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring the mobility and strength of the elbows. However, if symptoms persist for a long period, seek medical help for the appropriate treatment.
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Also Read: Supraspinatus Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to heal the bursitis of the elbow?
Rest and OTC pain medications are the best way to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with elbow bursitis.
Will elbow bursitis go away on its own?
Yes, most cases can heal themselves in 3-6 weeks with proper rest and other home treatments.
What foods aggravate bursitis?
Foods high in fats and sugar and processed foods can aggravate bursitis.
Can I drain bursitis myself?
No, you can't do it yourself as it can increase the risk of infection.
How to tell if it's bursitis or tendinitis?
Bursitis is painful even during rest while tendonitis can be painful during elbow movement.
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