The sudden, painful swelling on the back of the elbow often prompts people to wonder about draining the fluid themselves. This visible lump is elbow bursitis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid within a small, protective sac. While the impulse to puncture the swelling is understandable due to discomfort, self-treatment involves complex risks that require a clear understanding of the underlying biology.
Why You Should Never Attempt to Drain Bursitis At Home
Using any non-sterile instrument to puncture the skin over a swollen bursa carries an extreme risk of introducing bacteria directly into the sac. Improvised tools and the home environment are not sterile and can easily transfer microorganisms from the skin surface. This contamination quickly leads to septic bursitis, a severe infection requiring immediate medical attention.
Septic bursitis can rapidly spread beyond the bursa into surrounding soft tissues or the bloodstream. The infection causes the fluid inside to turn to pus, leading to intense pain, fever, and malaise. Treating this infection often requires hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy and may necessitate surgical intervention. The risk of a life-threatening systemic infection far outweighs any temporary relief gained from self-draining.
What Exactly is Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis involves the inflammation of the olecranon bursa, a small, flat, fluid-filled pouch located directly over the bony tip of the elbow. This sac normally functions as a cushion, allowing the skin and soft tissues to glide smoothly over the bone during movement.
When the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it produces an excessive amount of fluid, causing noticeable swelling. The condition is frequently triggered by a direct blow or trauma, or by chronic irritation from prolonged pressure, such as repeatedly leaning on hard surfaces. Repetitive motions that cause friction over the elbow can also instigate the inflammatory process. Signs of bursitis include swelling, pain, and restricted movement of the joint.
Safe, Non-Invasive Home Care Steps
Since self-draining is unsafe, symptom management should focus on reducing inflammation and pressure. The R.I.C.E. protocol is the recommended first-line approach for managing non-infected elbow bursitis. Resting the affected arm means avoiding activities that place pressure on the elbow or involve repetitive motion.
Applying ice to the inflamed area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day helps reduce swelling and pain. A compression bandage, applied snugly but not tightly, helps control fluid accumulation and provides light support. Elevating the elbow above the level of the heart uses gravity to encourage fluid drainage. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can also be taken to manage pain and decrease the inflammatory response.
Professional Treatment Options
A healthcare provider will first assess the bursitis to determine if an infection is present, as this dictates the treatment plan. If the swelling is severe but not infected, the provider may perform a sterile aspiration. This involves using a needle under carefully controlled, aseptic conditions to withdraw the excess fluid. This medical draining procedure is sometimes followed by an injection of a corticosteroid medication directly into the bursa to suppress inflammation and prevent the sac from refilling.
Treating Septic Bursitis
If the bursitis is determined to be septic, treatment shifts immediately to administering antibiotics. The provider may aspirate the infected fluid for laboratory testing to identify the specific bacteria and prescribe an appropriate oral antibiotic regimen, often lasting 7 to 10 days. In severe cases, or if the infection does not respond to oral medication, intravenous antibiotics may be required, sometimes necessitating hospital admission. Urgent medical attention is necessary if you experience symptoms such as a fever, intense localized redness and warmth that spreads away from the elbow, or an inability to move the joint.
Surgical Options
For chronic bursitis that resists conservative treatment or for cases of severe, recurrent septic bursitis, a surgical procedure called a bursectomy may be recommended to remove the entire inflamed sac.