Olecranon bursitis

What is Olecranon bursitis?

Olecranon bursitis, also known as ‘miner’s elbow’ or ‘student’s elbow’ due to the most frequently cited cause being repeated pressure to the elbow. Most cases settle without complications and without intervention. Here you can find out more about the condition, how to treat it at home and when to seek further help.

The olecranon bursa is a sac overlying the bony tip of the elbow beneath the skin. It reduces friction on movement between the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone, and allows them to glide smoothly over one another. Bursitis occurs when the bursa is irritated and inflamed and is generally classified as:

• Non-infective (most common) — there’s no infection however there is inflammation resulting from various causes including trauma or overuse.
• Infective — this is the result of an infection (often bacterial) but is less common.

Olecranon bursitis is more common in:

• Young or middle-aged men.
• People in jobs which involve risk of regular elbow trauma or pressure on the elbow. For example gardeners, carpet layers, mechanics, plumbers, roofers, truck drivers, students or people writing on a regular basis.
• Athletes who play sports which involve repetitive overhead throwing or elbow flexion and extension or direct impact onto the elbow (such gymnastics, weightlifting, rugby, football, or hockey).

Symptoms include:

• Swelling over the elbow that appears over several hours to several days
• The swelling may be tender or warm (but may be painless), and is soft/moveable under the skin.
• Movement at the elbow joint is painless except when it is fully bent.
• There is a cut/abrasion to the skin on or around the elbow.