The Elbow

The Elbow & Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful inflammation of a bursa, one of the many fluid-filled sacks that are found throughout the body between tendons, bones, ligaments, muscles or skin. The bursa helps reduce friction, especially in and around joints where there are risks of rubbing.

Bursitis can occur anywhere in the body where there is a risk of rubbing or pressure. It is especially likely to occur in the hip, knee, shoulder and elbow joint. Inflammation and the resulting pain generally happens when the stresses placed on a tissue are greater than what the tissues can handle.

Those most likely to develop bursitis are people who perform repetitive activities or tasks. It also can result from direct trauma to the joint, such as an ankle sprain.