What Is Fluid on the Elbow?

The bursa is a small fluid-filled sack located at the tip of your elbow. It acts as a cushion between the tendon and the bone. Constant pressure or trauma to your elbow can cause the bursa sack to become inflamed or to fill with too much fluid. This condition is known as elbow (olecranon) bursitis.

Cause

• Bursitis can be the result of a sudden, hard blow to your elbow. Hours of leaning on your elbows on hard surfaces also can cause bursitis. This is called "student's elbow."

Symptoms

• Some of the more commons symptoms of bursitis are elbow tenderness, swelling, redness, and pain. With the increase of fluid and swelling, you may also have a decrease in mobility.

Home Treatment

• The best treatment for bursitis is rest, ice, an elastic elbow wrap for support, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain, swelling, and/or inflammation.

Professional Treatment

• Your physician can drain the fluid with a needle to relieve pressure and check for infection. If non-surgical techniques haven't been successful in relieving the inflammation or the bursa becomes infected, surgery may be necessary.

Prevention

• Protect your elbow from blows during sports activities by wearing elbow pads. Avoid leaning on your elbows for long periods of time. Takes frequent breaks and stretch your arms if you do a lot of repetitive-movement activities.