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If the bursa does not seem to be infected, then treatments can include avoiding activities that are irritating the area, applying a snug elbow wrap or elbow pads, or taking oral anti-inflammatory treatments. Your physician might also choose to remove the fluid from the bursa first.

However, the bursa can become irritated or inflamed and fill with extra fluid. When this happens, a painful swelling develops at the back of the elbow. This swelling is olecranon bursitis. Trauma, such as hitting the elbow or falling on the back of the elbow, can lead to this condition.

If your bursitis flare-up is just one more episode in a chronic problem, or if your pain is new but still bothering you after 48 hours of applying ice, you should alternate ice packs and moist heat.

In a traditional bursectomy a procedure is done at the elbow and the troublesome bursa is removed. Since the olecranon bursa is located just inside the skin, the treatment to remove it does not include procedure on any part of the elbow joint.

Olecranon bursitis that is caused by an injury will usually go away on its own. The body will absorb the blood in the bursa over several weeks, and the bursa should return to normal. If swelling in the bursa is causing a slow recovery, a needle may be inserted to drain the blood and speed up the process.

Rest and don't overuse the affected area. Apply ice to reduce swelling for the first 48 hours after symptoms occur. Apply dry or moist heat, such as a heating pad or taking a warm bath.