Bursitis of the elbow joint: symptoms, treatment, photo
In the elbow joint, as in the rest, there are articular bags that form part of the joint's shell, inflammation of them is called bursitis of the elbow joint. Quite often this variant of bursitis develops in representatives of the strong half of mankind.
Synovial bag is a bag in which the synovial fluid is located, which helps minimize friction of the joint surfaces, in fact it is a lubricant.
In the elbow joint, there are three bags, this is the ulnar, the ulnar subcutaneous, and the lightbulb interosseous( in the joint cavity).All of them have some liquid, but sometimes these bags can become inflamed, which is manifested by an increase in the amount of liquid, the composition and character also undergo changes, and pain arises.
The first is an injury, after it often develops posttraumatic bursitis. This form is relevant for professional athletes, in particular tennis players.
Bag can be infected with streptococcus, staphylococcus, gonococcus or other microbes. Infection can enter the body directly as a result of trauma or from the primary focus of infection.
In the absence of specific treatment, which is correctly and correctly appointed specialist, the process can become purulent and exacerbated. Also, bursitis can develop in people of certain professions, especially when it is necessary to lean against a hard surface for a long time.
Elbow bursitis can be acute, recurrent or chronic. Depending on the nature of the fluid, it can be serous( an easy option that does not lead to complications), hemorrhagic( with a trace of blood) or purulent( a dangerous variant).Especially dangerous is purulent bursitis, which has passed into a chronic form.
The first thing that starts bursitis of the elbow joint is an edema that has arisen suddenly, it does not interfere with movements in the joint, it does not cause pain. On such a symptom is often not paid due attention, and in vain, the process in the meantime is exacerbated and the picture becomes worse.
Over time, the synovial bag thickens, soreness appears, and the temperature may rise. In the area of the elbow, the skin becomes red. The subsequent thickening of the bag causes the movement and mobility of the joint to be limited, and the movements become painful.
With a purulent variant of the disease course, fistulas, subcutaneous muscle phlegmon can be formed, and the microbial flora can be specific or consist of several pathogens. The malaise, drowsiness develops, the temperature rises to forty degrees.
See also: bursitis of the knee joint and bursitis of the shoulder joint.
Treatment is complex, taking into account the cause, it is only an expert who can make it optimally. Bursitis of the elbow joint uses immobilizing dressings, preparations with glucosamine and warming compresses( for example, alcohol, but alcohol should be diluted 1: 1 or you can also use vodka).
Widely used in the treatment of bursitis elbow joint ointments and anti-inflammatory drugs. When treating a chronic form of the disease, a puncture is indicated that helps to remove the accumulated exudate or fluid, then the cavity should be washed with solutions of antibiotics.
To treatment of purulent bursitis must be treated with special care, especially thoroughly rinsing the cavity. If the suppuration process is "ripe", it must be opened, this relatively uncomplicated surgical procedure is an effective method of treatment. In the case of festering the joint, the complexity of the surgical intervention increases dramatically.
In the treatment of traumatic bursitis , hormones are introduced into the joint cavity that reduce inflammation, hydrocortisone, which is administered together with antibiotics, is widely used. Before introducing solutions into the joint cavity, the injection site is pre-anesthetized with an anesthetic solution( usually novocaine).
In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are used. Dimexide helps in the treatment of the disease, it penetrates deep into the tissues and reduces inflammation, it can be applied in the form of compresses.
It is only the specialist who will help you choose the right dose or choose the most appropriate method of treatment. Self-medication will lead to aggravation of the disease and lead to many complications.
The chronic variant of the disease requires dynamic observation. The cavity can overgrow with a connective tissue, which can lead to disruption of its mobility. Operation bursectomy( removal of the affected bag) leads to a complete cure.
In some systemic diseases( such as scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus), along with the involvement of the articular sac, the articular cartilage is affected, which should be taken into account when correcting the treatment.
Also the cause of bursitis can be a banal injury, as a method of treatment in this option may be an ice pack, a heating pad or a warming ointment. Due to this, edema and hematoma will decrease, it can become an excellent nutrient medium for microorganisms. If there is a large hematoma in the joint cavity, it should be punctured and removed, and the joint cavity should be rinsed with antiseptic solutions, then immobilized, a gypsum or soft bandage( for example, from an elastic bandage) can be used for this.
Synovial bag is a bag in which the synovial fluid is located, which helps minimize friction of the joint surfaces, in fact it is a lubricant.
In the elbow joint, there are three bags, this is the ulnar, the ulnar subcutaneous, and the lightbulb interosseous( in the joint cavity).All of them have some liquid, but sometimes these bags can become inflamed, which is manifested by an increase in the amount of liquid, the composition and character also undergo changes, and pain arises.
Causes of bursitis of the elbow joint
The first is an injury, after it often develops posttraumatic bursitis. This form is relevant for professional athletes, in particular tennis players.
Bag can be infected with streptococcus, staphylococcus, gonococcus or other microbes. Infection can enter the body directly as a result of trauma or from the primary focus of infection.
In the absence of specific treatment, which is correctly and correctly appointed specialist, the process can become purulent and exacerbated. Also, bursitis can develop in people of certain professions, especially when it is necessary to lean against a hard surface for a long time.
Elbow bursitis can be acute, recurrent or chronic. Depending on the nature of the fluid, it can be serous( an easy option that does not lead to complications), hemorrhagic( with a trace of blood) or purulent( a dangerous variant).Especially dangerous is purulent bursitis, which has passed into a chronic form.
Symptoms of bursitis of the elbow joint
The first thing that starts bursitis of the elbow joint is an edema that has arisen suddenly, it does not interfere with movements in the joint, it does not cause pain. On such a symptom is often not paid due attention, and in vain, the process in the meantime is exacerbated and the picture becomes worse.
Over time, the synovial bag thickens, soreness appears, and the temperature may rise. In the area of the elbow, the skin becomes red. The subsequent thickening of the bag causes the movement and mobility of the joint to be limited, and the movements become painful.
With a purulent variant of the disease course, fistulas, subcutaneous muscle phlegmon can be formed, and the microbial flora can be specific or consist of several pathogens. The malaise, drowsiness develops, the temperature rises to forty degrees.
See also: bursitis of the knee joint and bursitis of the shoulder joint.
Treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint
Treatment is complex, taking into account the cause, it is only an expert who can make it optimally. Bursitis of the elbow joint uses immobilizing dressings, preparations with glucosamine and warming compresses( for example, alcohol, but alcohol should be diluted 1: 1 or you can also use vodka).
Widely used in the treatment of bursitis elbow joint ointments and anti-inflammatory drugs. When treating a chronic form of the disease, a puncture is indicated that helps to remove the accumulated exudate or fluid, then the cavity should be washed with solutions of antibiotics.
To treatment of purulent bursitis must be treated with special care, especially thoroughly rinsing the cavity. If the suppuration process is "ripe", it must be opened, this relatively uncomplicated surgical procedure is an effective method of treatment. In the case of festering the joint, the complexity of the surgical intervention increases dramatically.
In the treatment of traumatic bursitis , hormones are introduced into the joint cavity that reduce inflammation, hydrocortisone, which is administered together with antibiotics, is widely used. Before introducing solutions into the joint cavity, the injection site is pre-anesthetized with an anesthetic solution( usually novocaine).
In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are used. Dimexide helps in the treatment of the disease, it penetrates deep into the tissues and reduces inflammation, it can be applied in the form of compresses.
It is only the specialist who will help you choose the right dose or choose the most appropriate method of treatment. Self-medication will lead to aggravation of the disease and lead to many complications.
The chronic variant of the disease requires dynamic observation. The cavity can overgrow with a connective tissue, which can lead to disruption of its mobility. Operation bursectomy( removal of the affected bag) leads to a complete cure.
In some systemic diseases( such as scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus), along with the involvement of the articular sac, the articular cartilage is affected, which should be taken into account when correcting the treatment.
Also the cause of bursitis can be a banal injury, as a method of treatment in this option may be an ice pack, a heating pad or a warming ointment. Due to this, edema and hematoma will decrease, it can become an excellent nutrient medium for microorganisms. If there is a large hematoma in the joint cavity, it should be punctured and removed, and the joint cavity should be rinsed with antiseptic solutions, then immobilized, a gypsum or soft bandage( for example, from an elastic bandage) can be used for this.