Associated symptoms
Depending on the cause, a bump on the elbow can cause various accompanying symptoms. If it is the result of an injury caused by a blow or fall, it usually causes pain, especially when bending and stretching the arm. In addition, a bruise can develop as a sign of bleeding, which changes colour from green to yellow after a few days.
If an inflammation, for example of a bursa, is the cause of the bump, the accompanying symptoms are usually throbbing pain as well as reddening and overheating of the bump. In addition, there is often a pain-related restriction of mobility. Benign growths, such as a lipoma (adipose tissue tumour) can also be responsible for a bump on the elbow and are typically accompanied by no accompanying symptoms.
Diagnosis
In order to make a diagnosis of a bump on the elbow, specific questions by the doctor in conversation with the patient and a physical examination of the affected area are most important and in most cases already sufficient. Among other things, the doctor will ask how long the bump has existed and whether there was a trigger for its development, such as a fall or excessive strain on the arm at work or during leisure activities. It can also be significant if bumps on the elbow have occurred more often.
During the examination, the bump is considered first. A distinct redness or bruise can provide clues for the diagnosis. In addition, the examiner can obtain further information about the most likely cause of the bump on the elbow by feeling the consistency and shiftability. As a rule, after these steps the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be initiated. Only in exceptional cases is further examination, for example by means of ultrasound or blood values in the laboratory, indicated.
Therapy
Which treatment is indicated for a bump on the elbow depends on the cause of the swelling. Often no special or only supportive therapy is necessary, as the bump will recede by itself. If this is the result of a fall, for example, cooling and temporary elevation of the arm can promote the regression of the bump.
In addition, the arm should be protected and excessive strain should be avoided. The above-mentioned measures are also indicated in the case of bursitis. In case of severe pain, the temporary intake of an anti-inflammatory painkiller may be additionally indicated.
In the case of complicated or frequently occurring inflammations, surgical removal of the affected bursa may be necessary. Joint inflammation due to other causes sometimes requires specific treatment. If this occurs as part of an underlying rheumatic disease, only treatment with medication will lead to long-term improvement. An inflammation caused by bacteria, which can also lead to a large bruise on the elbow, must be treated as quickly as possible with a minor surgical procedure to relieve the strain. However, bumps that persist over a long period of time, do not change and do not cause any complaints, do not have to be treated at all in most cases.
