Elbow bursitis is swelling of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) that sits over the bony tip of the elbow. It often follows leaning on the elbow or a knock, and usually settles with simple care. About a third of cases are caused by infection, which needs prompt medical treatment.
Also known as student's elbow, miner's elbow, swollen elbow
Symptoms
- A soft, squashy swelling over the tip of the elbow, sometimes the size of a golf ball
- Mild aching or tenderness, though it can be painless
- Discomfort when leaning on the elbow
- Usually little effect on bending and straightening the arm
- With infection: redness, heat, increasing pain and sometimes fever
Causes and risk factors
- Repeated leaning on the elbow, for example at a desk or when working on the floor
- A direct knock or fall onto the elbow
- A cut or graze over the elbow that lets bacteria in, leading to infection
- Inflammatory conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- Jobs involving kneeling and leaning, such as plumbing or mining
What the evidence says helps
- Most non-infected bursitis settles with simple, non-surgical care. Reviews suggest early conservative care such as protecting the elbow and avoiding pressure works for many people.23
- Non-surgical care appears more effective and safer than surgery for most people, based mainly on lower-quality studies.2
- Steroid injections into the bursa may shorten symptoms but carry higher risks, including infection and skin thinning. Reviews suggest keeping them for cases that do not settle.23
- Infected bursitis needs medical assessment and antibiotics. Signs that point to infection include redness, heat, tenderness, a nearby skin wound and fever.14
Things you can try at home
- Avoid leaning on the elbow; use a cushion or pad if you must rest on it
- Keep the skin over the elbow clean and cover any cuts or grazes
- A cold pack wrapped in a towel for 10 to 15 minutes can ease discomfort
- Keep the elbow moving gently so it does not stiffen
- Do not try to drain the swelling yourself
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- The elbow becomes red, hot and increasingly painful, or you have a fever or feel unwell: see a GP the same day or call NHS 111
- Redness spreading up or down the arm: seek same-day medical help
- You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or take steroids and develop a swollen elbow: contact your GP promptly
- Swelling after a fall with severe pain or inability to move the elbow: go to A&E
- Pain spreading from a swollen joint with high temperature and shivering: call NHS 111 or 999 if very unwell
How Apollo can help
We assess the swelling and check for signs that suggest infection or another cause, and refer you to your GP promptly if needed. For non-infected bursitis, we explain the condition and help you change the habits or work positions that put pressure on the elbow. We can also help you keep the elbow and arm moving and strong while the swelling settles, and liaise with your GP if it keeps coming back.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How long does elbow bursitis take to go away?
Non-infected bursitis often settles over a few weeks once pressure on the elbow is avoided. Some cases take longer or come back. Infected bursitis needs antibiotics and can take longer to clear.
How do I know if my elbow bursitis is infected?
Infection is more likely if the elbow is red, hot and tender, if there is a cut or graze over it, or if you feel feverish. These signs need same-day medical assessment. Your GP may take a sample of the fluid to check.
Should elbow bursitis be drained?
A doctor may drain the fluid to ease pressure or test for infection. It is not always needed, and you should never try to drain it yourself. Your GP will advise on the safest option.
References
- Baumbach S, et al. (2014). Prepatellar and olecranon bursitis: literature review and development of a treatment algorithm. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. View source
- Sayegh E, et al. (2014). Treatment of olecranon bursitis: a systematic review. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. View source
- Kaur I, et al. (2023). Non-surgical treatment of aseptic olecranon bursitis: a systematic review. Reumatología Clínica. View source
- Reilly D, et al. (2015). Olecranon bursitis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
