OLECRANON BURSITIS
The olecranon is the medical term to define the point of the elbow. Anatomically, the olecranon is located on the ulnar.
Overlying the olecranon is a fluid filled sac, named a bursa. The bursa prevents friction between the point of the elbow and the overlying skin and, in essence, allows the two surfaces to glide over each other during movements of the elbow.
Due to its location, the olecranon bursa can be subjected to recurrent minor irritation during activities such as leaning on the elbow on a hard surface and, subsequently, is also referred to as “student’s elbow”. Other causes of olecranon bursitis include trauma resulting from direct impact to the point of the elbow after a fall, infection or an underlying rheumatic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In the case of either a major or minor injury, the lining of the bursa becomes inflamed. It then secretes a much greater than normal amount of fluid into the closed cavity of the bursa, from where it has nowhere to go. The bursa therefore inflates, producing a painful swelling over the proximal end of the ulna, which is often warm and tender. The characteristic appearance of an olecranon bursitis is that of a “goose egg”, as seen below.
(The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered a replacement for a full medical examination. Furthermore, we do not purport to treat all the conditions listed. Should you wish to discuss any of these conditions with our chiropractors, please do not hesitate to phone the clinic on 020 7374 2272 or email enquiries@body-motion.co.uk).
Our team of chiropractors and massage therapists are on hand to answer any questions you may have, so get in touch today via enquiries@body-motion.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7374 2272.