Elbow pain is a common complaint among people who come to a physical therapist for help. From athletes to office workers, discomfort in the elbow can disrupt a lot of different types of activities.
When trying to figure out what to do with your pain, the specific location is a major clue to its cause and the most effective way to treat it. Aches on the inside or outside of the joint, for instance, often point to different issues than a sharp pain at the tip of your elbow.
If you’re experiencing a distinct, sharp pain right at the bony point of your elbow, you know how frustrating it can be. With careful self-treatment or the help of a Physical Therapist, however, you shouldn’t have to be in pain for long.
What causes pain at the tip of your elbow
A direct impact to your elbow is an obvious reason for pain. If you’ve had a recent injury or fall, it’s important to get it checked by a medical professional to rule out a fracture. However, if you’re searching online for answers to unexplained pain, the cause might be less obvious.
One of the most common culprits for sharp pain at the tip of the elbow that you can’t otherwise pinpoint is olecranon bursitis.
The olecranon is the name of the pointed bone at the tip of your elbow. Over this bone lies a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa. This bursa acts as a cushion between the bone and the skin, allowing the skin to move smoothly over the joint. When this sac becomes inflamed, it’s known as bursitis, hence: olecranon bursitis.
This inflammation can cause the bursa to fill with excess fluid, leading to swelling, tenderness, and a sharp pain, especially when pressure is applied.
What causes olecranon bursitis?
Several factors can lead to olecranon bursitis:
- Repetitive pressure: Leaning on your elbow for long periods on hard surfaces (like a desk or table) can irritate the bursa. This is sometimes called “student’s elbow” or “popeye elbow.”
- Direct trauma: A hard hit to the tip of the elbow can cause the bursa to become inflamed.
- Infection: If the skin over the elbow is broken from a scrape or cut, bacteria can get into the bursa and cause an infection. This is known as septic bursitis and is a more serious condition that often requires medical intervention. Signs of infection include significant redness, warmth, fever, and chills.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can increase your risk of developing bursitis.
While olecranon bursitis is the most common cause, other rare issues could also cause tip of elbow pain, such as a stress fracture of the olecranon or triceps tendinopathy. This is why getting a proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
How to treat olecranon bursitis
If your elbow pain is mild and you haven’t had a serious injury, there are several at-home strategies you can try to find relief. These methods are primarily aimed at reducing the inflammation associated with injury or bursitis.
At-home care for mild elbow pain
- Avoid pressure: The most important first step is to stop doing what’s irritating the area. Avoid leaning on your elbow and try not to put direct pressure on the tip. Using an elbow pad or cushion can help if you must rest your arm on a hard surface for work or school.
- Ice the area: Applying ice can help reduce swelling and numb the sharp pain. Use a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
- Use compression: A light compression sleeve or bandage can help control swelling. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as this can worsen your discomfort.
- Elevate your arm: When you’re resting, try to keep your elbow elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Always follow the package directions and consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have other health conditions or take other medications.
If your symptoms don’t improve with at-home care after a week or two, or if they start to get worse, it’s probably time to see a professional.
How physical therapy can help
When home remedies aren’t enough, a physical therapist can provide a more structured approach to healing. At Franklin Rehab, our Physical Therapists conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment for olecranon bursitis and other types of elbow pain might include:
- Manual therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness in the elbow and surrounding tissues.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: Your therapist will guide you through specific exercises to restore your elbow’s range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joint. This helps support the elbow and prevent future irritation.
- Activity modification and education: A key part of physical therapy is learning how to modify your daily activities to avoid re-injury. Your therapist can provide ergonomic advice for your workspace and teach you safer ways to perform tasks that may stress or injure your elbow.
In cases where the pain is severe or doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, your physical therapist can refer you to a specialist.
Elbow pain treatment in Franklin, WI
Dealing with a sharp pain at the tip of your elbow can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with your work, hobbies, or even sleep. While at-home treatments can be effective for mild cases, persistent or worsening pain requires professional evaluation. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
For folks near Franklin, WI who are tired of elbow pain that just won’t go away, the team at Franklin Rehabilitation is here to help. We can provide a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to get you back to living pain-free. Get started by calling our clinic or by requesting your appointment online today.