Olecranon Bursitis
What is Olecranon Bursitis?
Olecranon bursitis is a medical condition in which the bursa located at the tip of the elbow becomes inflamed and swollen. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bone, tendons, and muscles, allowing them to move smoothly against each other. The olecranon bursa is located between the skin and the pointy bone at the back of the elbow called the olecranon.
When the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and redness around the elbow. Olecranon bursitis can be caused by trauma, repetitive stress, infection, or certain medical conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
What are symptoms of Olecranon Bursitis?
The main symptom of olecranon bursitis is swelling and pain around the elbow. Other symptoms may include:
- Redness and warmth around the elbow
- Limited range of motion in the elbow joint
- Tenderness or sensitivity around the olecranon bursa
- A feeling of tightness or pressure in the elbow area
- A visible lump or bump at the back of the elbow
- Stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the elbow
In some cases, the bursa may become infected, causing additional symptoms such as fever, chills, and increased pain and swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a physiotherapist for prompt treatment.
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How can physiotherapy and chiropractic care help in Bursitis?
Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for olecranon bursitis. A physiotherapist can work with you to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and improve the range of motion and strength in your elbow joint.
Here are some ways a physiotherapist can help in the treatment of olecranon bursitis:
- Manual Therapy: Your physiotherapist may use manual therapy techniques such as massage, stretching, IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation), and joint mobilization to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote healing.
- Exercise Therapy: Specific exercises can help to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint, which can reduce pressure on the bursa and speed up recovery.
- Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce inflammation around the bursa.
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.
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