Elbow bursitis

Elbow bursitis causes a soft or tense swelling over the tip of the elbow. Pressure and knocks are common causes, but a red, warm, painful swelling with fever may be infected and needs assessment the same day.

• A round, soft or tense lump directly over the back of the elbow tip.
• Tenderness when leaning on the elbow and sometimes pain when bending it fully.
• Avoid leaning on the elbow and temporarily use a soft elbow pad that does not constrict it.
• Cool for ten to fifteen minutes with a cloth between the skin and cold pack.
• Call the same day for a red, warm, increasingly painful swelling or fever and chills.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.