Olecranon Bursitis Treatment London | Private Ultrasound Diagnosis & Injections

Olecranon Bursitis Explained

What is the Olecranon Bursa?

Olecranon bursitis is a condition in which the cushioned bursa overlying the point of the elbow becomes painful and inflamed.

This is commonly caused by a direct blow to the point of the elbow or by persistent pressure on the elbow, such as leaning on an armrest for prolonged periods.

In many cases, the olecranon bursa will be filled with compressible fluid, but in some cases, the walls of the bursa may become thickened and inflamed. In certain conditions, such as gouty arthritis, the olecranon bursa may also contain crystal deposits or debris, which an ultrasound scan can help diagnose.

Olecranon Bursitis Causes

An ultrasound scan is an excellent diagnostic tool for olecranon bursitis, as it can confirm fluid distension of the bursa and exclude fluid that may be coming from the posterior recess of the elbow joint.

Ultrasound can also exclude any significant tears or defects of the triceps tendon, which inserts into the olecranon bone.

The olecranon bursa and its contents can be clearly visualised with ultrasound.

Ultrasound Guided Injections for Olecranon Bursitis

How is an Olecranon Bursa Aspiration & Injection Administered?

An ultrasound-guided aspiration (withdrawal of fluid) from the olecranon bursa, followed by a corticosteroid injection into the bursa, is an effective treatment for olecranon bursitis.

This procedure is performed by placing the probe carefully over the olecranon bursa and visualising the needle longitudinally as it passes into the bursa to aspirate fluid and deliver the injectate.

What to Do After Your Olecranon Bursitis Aspiration & Injection

Needle Path & Post-Injection Pain
The olecranon bursa is a very superficial structure and, when distended, is already separated from the underlying tissues. Apart from a fleeting sting when the needle first passes through the skin, the procedure itself is usually not painful and does not typically cause post-injection pain from needle trauma. In many cases, because fluid is aspirated during the procedure, symptoms can feel improved immediately afterwards.

Very rarely, a post-injection flare may still occur, caused by the medication reacting with the bursal fluid, although this is uncommon.

Wound Care & Infection Risk
Because the olecranon bursa is superficial and inflamed, avoid exposing the elbow to dirty or public water (e.g., swimming pools, hot tubs) for up to one week following the procedure. Avoid leaning on the elbow, wearing tight elbow supports, or applying excessive pressure to the area, as this can increase infection risk and irritate the bursa.

Activity Guidance
Keep elbow movement relatively limited for 1–2 weeks after the procedure to avoid re‑irritating the bursa. After 1–2 weeks, if you are feeling well, you can gradually return to normal activities.

Follow-Up
If you experience any redness, swelling, increased pain, or other concerns following your procedure, please contact me immediately.

Other Treatments for Olecranon Bursitis

Physical Therapy exercises for AC Joint pain

Olecranon Bursitis | Evidence base

Evidence for the management of olecranon bursitis supports a conservative approach in most non-infectious cases. The condition often resolves with activity modification, use of elbow padding, and avoidance of prolonged pressure on the posterior elbow. Inflammation may settle with the aid of oral anti-inflammatory medication or aspiration if fluid accumulation is significant or causing discomfort. Physiotherapy is not always needed unless there is coexisting weakness, poor posture, or repetitive strain that contributed to the onset. In cases where repetitive overload or mechanical irritation is a factor, rehabilitation may include strengthening of the triceps and upper limb kinetic chain to reduce recurrence risk. Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce persistent inflammation after aspiration, though this should be approached with caution to avoid skin thinning or infection. Importantly, septic bursitis must be ruled out, as it requires aspiration and antibiotics — and potentially surgical drainage. Surgical bursectomy is only indicated for chronic, non-resolving cases or recurrent septic bursitis. Overall, most cases resolve without surgery and respond well to conservative treatment.

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