Prevention
Especially the chronic bursitis can be avoided by some preventive measures. In addition to clarification of a previous inflammatory condition or anatomical disturbance factors, wearing bandages can lead to a relief of the bursa, which minimizes the risk of inflammation. In the case of recurrent bursitis of the elbow, strongly straining sports such as tennis should be paused or given up.
Over-irritation of the bursa due to constant propping up can also be avoided. In such extremely stressful situations, padding can help to reduce the pressure on the bursa somewhat. If it is not possible to avoid the stressful positions, frequent breaks should be taken. It is important to immobilize and stretch the elbow in order to relieve the pressure on the bursa.
Symptoms
Bursitis of the elbow results in redness and swelling of the affected region, usually the elbow is additionally overheated and the patient has pain when under stress or even at rest. The bursa can be felt as hardened and bulging, depending on the cause of the inflammation it can also contain pus. The swelling and the pain result in restricted movement of the elbow joint.
Diagnostics
Palpation of the elbow and the signs of inflammation that have occurred are already groundbreaking for the diagnosis of bursitis. This can be confirmed by an ultrasound examination. Here, increased fluid or, if necessary, pus inside the bursa can be seen. If the inflammation is due to acute trauma, an x-ray of the elbow should also be taken to rule out bone splinters and the like that irritate the bursa.
