Struggling with the pain of bursitis? Don’t let it limit your daily activities any longer.
But What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is when this tiny sac in your body, called a bursa, gets fired up and inflamed.
Picture this fluid-filled sac as a little cushion between your bones, tendons, muscles, and skin, keeping everything running smoothly without friction.
But when it gets inflamed, you’ll feel pain, see some swelling, and generally feel pretty uncomfortable.
Your body says, “Hey, something’s not right here!
Common Causes of Elbow Bursitis
1. Injury:
If you take a direct hit to the elbow, it can puff up the bursa like a balloon.
2. Gout:
This is a type of arthritis where little urate crystals decide to throw a party in your joints, causing a lot of pain and inflammation.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis:
This one’s a long-term troublemaker that doesn’t just stick to your joints but messes with all sorts of body systems.
4. Infection:
Sometimes, nasty bacteria can sneak into the bursa, usually through a cut or scrape, and turn it into a swollen, pus-filled mess.
5. Too much elbow leaning:
Resting your elbow on hard surfaces too much can irritate the bursa and inflame it, earning it the nickname “student’s elbow” or “miner’s elbow.”
The symptoms of olecranon bursitis can vary, but they often include:
6. Painful swelling:
You might feel this soft lump on the tip of your elbow like a little water balloon has popped up. It could grow slowly over weeks or just show up out of the blue.
7. Redness:
Your elbow might turn all red and warm to the touch.
8. Pain:
At first, the pain might only show up when you press on it. But as things get worse, even just hanging out can be a pain, especially during activities or at bedtime. You might ask….
What Are Common Treatments for Elbow Bursitis?
Alright, when it comes to treating bursitis without surgery [¹], there are different things your doctor might suggest:
1. For an infected bursa: If your doctor thinks there’s an infection, they might use a needle to remove fluid from the bursa. This is done to help with the pain and swelling. They might also give you antibiotics to fight the infection until they know exactly what’s causing it.
2. For a non-infected bursa: If there’s no infection, there are some basic things you can try:
3. Elbow pads: These are like cushions for your elbow to protect it.
4. Changing activities: Sometimes, you just need to avoid doing things that make your elbow hurt more.
5. Splints: These keep your elbow straight to stop your skin from getting tight when you bend it.
6. Medicines: Your doctor might give you pills to help with the swelling and pain. If those don’t work after a few weeks, your doctor might try draining the fluid from the bursa and giving you a shot of a strong medicine called corticosteroid. It’s like super-powered ibuprofen, but it goes straight int
o the bursa.
7. Elbow aspiration: Sometimes, your doctor might need to remove some fluid to check for infection or to prepare the bursa for a shot. If things get really bad and nothing else helps, they might suggest surgery to remove the whole bursa. But don’t worry—it usually grows back without the swelling and pain. So, whether it’s with pills, shots, or maybe even a little operation, there are lots of ways to deal with the discomfort of bursitis without needing surgery right away.
The Best Elbow Pad for Bursitis Relief (2024)
Here are the 3 top-rated to support your elbow against bursitis:
1. Bracoo Elbow Support, Reversible Neoprene Sleeve
I found that this best elbow pad for bursitis also works well to protect my elbow when I shoot my rifle off of a table/bench rest…the recoil causes abrasion and bruising on my elbow and this also protects it.” N. Jax
Price: $11.99
About this item:
This best elbow pad for bursitis support features 4-Way Stretch Fabric for even compression, reducing fatigue and stress on muscles and tendons. The skin-friendly neoprene material boosts circulation, providing warmth for faster healing and reducing inflammation. Adjustable hook strapping offers broad support while allowing unrestricted movement, fitting both right and left elbows sized 7 to 13 inches in circumference.
2. McDavid 489 Elbow Support:
I use this product every time I go to the gym and I tighten the strap, so now when I lift, I don’t feel the pain.”- Nat
Price: $19.99
About this item:
This elbow strap is made of strong materials that won’t cause allergies. It provides warmth and gentle pressure to help with healing and support your arm. Its hook-and-loop closure allows you to adjust it to fit comfortably. It comes in different sizes, so it should fit most people easily, whether you’re small, medium, or large.
3. Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve:
“Brace works as intended. Provides a bit of support and feels snug without cutting off circulation.”- K. Cheng
Price: $20.97
About this item:
This best elbow pad for bursitis comprises 70% Nylon, 15% Spandex, and 15% Rubber. Additionally, it provides targeted compression to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions like bursitis. It is available in different sizes, from extra small to extra large.
It is also important to take note that bursitis can also occur in some parts of your body.
Other Bursitis Sites
Aside from the tip of your elbow, bursitis can also occur in the following:
1. Front of the Knee (Prepatellar Bursitis)
This happens when the bursa in front of your kneecap gets inflamed. Usually, it’s from kneeling a lot, which is why some folks call it “housemaid’s knee [²].” Sometimes, though, it can get infected, too.
2. Hip
Hip Bursitis [³] (Trochanteric Bursitis) occurs when the bursa encircling the hip joint, particularly the trochanteric bursa, is inflamed. It is common and may result from overuse, injury, or underlying conditions.
3. Heel
Heel Bursitis (Calcaneal Bursitis) affects the bursa near the heel and is often associated with excessive pressure on the back of the heel.
4. Shoulder:
Shoulder bursitis (subacromial bursitis) is a condition that occurs in the shoulder joint and is often associated with repetitive overhead movements or direct trauma.
5. Ankle
Ankle Bursitis (Achilles Tendon Bursitis) occurs when the bursa near the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle becomes inflamed, typically due to excessive friction or pressure on the area.
6. Thumb
Thumb Bursitis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis), although technically involving the synovium, inflammation around the base of the thumb may present symptoms similar to bursitis and is common in activities involving repetitive thumb movements.
Final Thoughts:
Maintaining optimal elbow health is crucial, especially considering its susceptibility to conditions like bursitis. The best elbow pad for bursitis is vital in providing optimal protection, preventing injuries, reducing friction, and supporting joint care for both the elbow and upper arm. They act proactively against impact and repetitive stress, preventing injury and managing symptoms like bursitis and elbow pain. When combined with exercises and lifestyle adjustments, elbow pads contribute significantly to preserving overall joint health and promoting comfortable, pain-free daily activities.
Disclaimer: Please consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. This information is intended for general knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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