Fluid On Elbow
Noticed Fluid on Your Elbow?
Noticing the odd occurrence of fluid on your elbow can be quite alarming! In a joint as vital as the elbow, we know that the only fluid that typically hangs out in this area is blood, therefore clear or puss-like fluid seeping from the area is never a good sign. There are, of course, other symptoms that can indicate the cause behind the leaking of fluid on your elbow. In most cases, the symptoms point to a condition called elbow bursitis. We are going to talk about this condition in a little more detail and go over the most prominent symptoms, cause, and treatment options available.
You’re probably wondering what exactly elbow bursitis is. Bursitis is a condition that results when the bursa becomes inflamed. The bursa is a sac that is naturally filled with fluid, and there are in fact over 100 in different areas of the body. They are typically located in key joint areas such as the elbows and knees. The bursa’s job is to ensure that the skin in certain areas of the body is able to freely glide over the bone beneath it. In normal circumstances, this fluid filled sac lies flat under the skin, but in some instances it can become irritated, which then leads to swelling.
Swelling is the most obvious symptom and one that often causes much concern, as this isn’t your everyday swelling. The swelling is located on the back of the elbow (on the bony part). Many describe it as having a “goose egg” appearance and the area is often quite red and warm to the touch. These are typical signs of inflammation. Due to the swelling, the elbow is likely to seem more difficult to move. Some people report pain or tenderness in the elbow region, however this symptom is not always present with bursitis. Depending on the cause of the bursitis, you may also experience a fever. Fluid on your elbow is often evident when both your outer skin and the sac of the bursa have been ruptured, allowing the fluid to freely drain from the area.
There are several ways that elbow bursitis can develop. One of the most common causes is leaning on or bumping one’s elbows too often. Over time, these destructive actions can take a toll on the tissues inside the elbow, wearing them down until they finally rupture or become inflamed. One solid, devastating blow to the elbow, such as falling elbow-first onto concrete, can also result in similar damage. Bursitis is also a common condition among those who play a great deal of sports—particularly those which require a great deal of elbow movement such as baseball or tennis. Infection is another culprit behind bursitis. An infection occurs when bacteria find their way into parts of the body in which they shouldn’t reside. When the bacteria gather in or around the bursa, swelling and redness develop, signaling the white blood cells to help take care of the problem. When infection is the culprit, it is likely to take around two weeks for the bursitis to reside on its own. In other cases, such as with repetitive strain to the elbow, bursitis can be more of a long-term condition.
Treatment for minor bursitis includes getting plenty of rest. One may also want to apply ice or cold compresses to the area to reduce swelling and tenderness. Elevating the elbow may also help to control the swelling and redness to an extent. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor if your bursitis has been caused by an infection. The doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help control the inflammation. Whether or not you have experienced fluid on your elbow, the doctor may feel it necessary to drain a portion or all of the fluid from the bursa. This is a simple procedure in which a sterile needle is inserted into the skin to create a rupture in the bursa. The fluid is left to drain, of which a sample may be collected to test for infection. Many doctors believe that draining the fluid allows for a quicker recovery time.
If you have experienced fluid on your elbow through bursitis, or if you believe that there could be another issue causing this seepage, you should see your doctor immediately for evaluation. Any instance in which fluid leaks from the body is a potential opening in which bacteria can invade and cause infection (if infection is not already present).