Swollen Tip of the Elbow: Understanding Olecranon Bursitis

What Is Subcutaneous Olecranon Bursitis?

• Inflammation of the bursa over the point of the elbow is known as subcutaneous olecranon bursitis.
• This bursa is located between the olecranon process and the skin.
• It typically lessens friction when moving the elbow.
  
• On the other hand, inflammation results in swelling and fluid buildup.
  
• Pain and functional limitations may consequently arise.
• The condition is often treated conservatively at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre.
  
• Early physiotherapy guarantees a quicker recovery and guards against recurrence.

Causes of Subcutaneous Olecranon Bursitis

• Stress that occurs frequently or suddenly might cause olecranon bursitis.
• Typical reasons consist of:
  • Frequently resting on your elbows when working or training
  • Direct injury or an elbow fall
  • Extended pressure while performing floor workouts
  • Overuse in contact sports and throwing
  • After a skin abrasion, infection
  • Associated conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis
• For tailored physiotherapy care, determining the precise etiology is crucial.

Clinical Features and Symptoms

• Firm or soft, variable swelling
• Pain that is mild to moderate
• Palpable local tenderness
• In acute situations, warmth and redness
• limited flexion of the elbow because of edema
• Elbow pain when leaning or loading
• Elbow range of motion, however, typically stays full.

Special Tests and Examination Techniques

• Testing for Elbow Range of Motion
  • The majority of movement is still painless.
  • Pain increases with compression, not movement.

• Bursal Compression Test
  • The symptoms are replicated with little pressure over the bursa.
  • Superficial bursal involvement is confirmed by this.

• Resisted Muscle Testing
  • There is no pain associated with triceps resistance.
  • This distinguishes tendon pathology from bursitis.

• Observation While Performing Functional Tasks
  • When bearing weight via the elbows, pain intensifies.

Detailed Physiotherapy Management

• Physiotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment.
• Treatment focuses on inflammation control, load modification, and prevention.

Phase 1: Pain and Inflammation Control

• Initially, reducing swelling is the priority.
• Activity modification is advised immediately
• Elbow padding prevents further compression
• Cryotherapy helps reduce inflammation
• Compression taping supports the bursa
• Gentle active range exercises maintain mobility
• At this stage, aggressive loading is strictly avoided.

2nd Phase: Advanced Electro-Physical Modalities

• Elite Physiotherapy uses advanced technology for faster recovery.
  • High Intensity Laser Therapy
    • This reduces inflammation at the cellular level.
      It accelerates tissue healing and fluid resorption.
  • Super Inductive System (SIS)
    • SIS improves circulation and lymphatic drainage.
      It also reduces pain without direct contact.
  • Shock Wave Therapy
    • Shock waves stimulate tissue regeneration.
      They are useful in chronic, non-resolving bursitis.
      However, intensity is carefully controlled.
• These modalities significantly shorten recovery time.

Phase 3: Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Care

• Manual techniques are applied once the pain reduces.
• Gentle myofascial release around the elbow
• Soft tissue mobilization of the triceps region
• Skin and fascia mobility restoration
• If indicated:
  • Cupping Therapy
    • Cupping improves local blood flow.
      It reduces tissue congestion and stiffness.
  • Dry Needling
    • Dry needling addresses surrounding muscle tightness.
      It helps normalize loading patterns around the elbow.
• These techniques are always applied judiciously.

4th Phase: Strengthening and Load Re-education

• Once swelling subsides, strengthening begins.
• Progressive triceps strengthening
• Forearm flexor and extensor conditioning
• Scapular and shoulder stability exercises
• Kinetic chain strengthening
• Importantly, load tolerance is rebuilt gradually.

5th Phase: Functional and Sport-Specific Training

• Finally, functional retraining is introduced.
• Weight-bearing tolerance training
• Technique correction during sports skills
• Ergonomic advice for workplace activities
• Return-to-sport criteria followed strictly
• This phase prevents recurrence effectively.

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?

• Elite Physiotherapy delivers evidence-based and personalized care.
• Every program is athlete-centric and goal-oriented.
• Advanced modalities are integrated with manual therapy.
• Return-to-sport decisions are data-driven and safe.

• As a result, outcomes are faster and long-lasting.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid prolonged elbow pressure
• Use protective padding during training
• Correct faulty techniques early
• Maintain upper limb strength and balance
• Seek early physiotherapy assessment
• Early care prevents chronic complications.

Conclusion

• Subcutaneous olecranon bursitis is a common but manageable condition.
• Timely physiotherapy ensures complete recovery.
• Advanced modalities enhance healing significantly.
• At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, care is precise and personalized.
• Therefore, ignoring elbow swelling should never be an option.