Elbow bursitis causes. Treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint. Symptoms of elbow bursitis. What are synovial bags of the elbow joint

Bursitis is a disease that is not common, but it occurs quite often in representatives of some professions. It affects people who perform movements with a load on the same area (tennis players, etc.), or who are constantly in an uncomfortable position.

• Bursitis - what is it
• Causes of the disease
• Symptoms
• Types of bursitis
• elbow joint
• hip joint
• Fingers
• Heel
• Treatment at home
• "Hardening" of the joints
• Cocktail
• Compress for elbow bursitis
• Compress from Kalanchoe
• Cabbage
• Medication treatment
• Puncture
• Treatment with folk remedies
• Vegetables
• Propolis
• Sugar
• Pine needle baths
• Prevention of bursitis

Bursitis - what is it

In the area of ​​​​the joints, due to the active movement of the ligaments and bones, friction almost always occurs. Synovial fluid, which improves gliding and reduces friction, acts as a lubricant for the joints. It is located in periarticular bags - bursae, which are cavities lined with glands. It is the inflammatory process that begins in them that is called bursitis. There are several types of this disease.

It is interesting! In total, there are about 160 synovial bags in the body.

1. Purulent. In this case, pus forms in the bag. The disease is bacterial in nature.
2. Serous. This form is considered the easiest, but if left untreated, there is a risk of transition to a purulent or hemorrhagic form.
3. Hemorrhagic. In this case, bleeding occurs in the joint.

In addition, there are acute and chronic forms of the disease.

Often there is bursitis in the elbow, shoulder, knee, hip joints, in the heel and Achilles tendon.

Causes of the disease

The reasons for the development of bursitis are different.

1. Injuries. This can be a professional constant load on the knees or elbows, uncomfortable shoes, frequent running and long, fast walking, long sitting on a hard surface (for example, long cycling).
2. Infections. There is a risk of infection entering the synovial cavity during trauma or with a decrease in immunity (in this case, the virus “travels” through the blood or lymph flow).
3. Chronic diseases, due to which salt deposits occur in the synovial bag, are gout, systemic scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, the cause of the development of bursitis can be diathesis, which in itself is not a disease, but facilitates the development of inflammatory processes, which include bursitis. Sometimes the causes of the disease cannot be established - it occurs unexpectedly on its own.

Important! The older the person, the higher the risk of bursitis, which is associated with a decrease in the elasticity of the walls of the synovial bag, an increase in its density.

Symptoms

The first manifestation of bursitis is swelling and swelling in the area of ​​​​inflammation of the synovial bag. In this case, the patient is disturbed by pains of a shooting or aching nature, persistent redness of the skin. Limb movements are limited, in case of palpation pain appears. Especially, pains and puffiness amplify at night.

If bursitis is complicated by an infection, the immune system reacts to it with an increase in temperature, from 38 to 40 degrees. This indicates the development of a purulent form of the disease. In this case, the pain in the limb intensifies, becomes pulsating, there are signs of general intoxication of the body with nausea, headache, and fever. Nearby lymph nodes may be enlarged.

Important! If left untreated, bursitis can turn into purulent arthritis. In this case, the movements of the affected limb, even minimal ones, cause severe pain.

In the chronic course of the disease, the resulting swelling has a soft texture, and the mobility of the limb is not limited. The skin over the edema is mobile.

Types of bursitis

Bursitis of the shoulder joint is dangerous because it is difficult to identify it until you suddenly find soreness in the arm when making any movement. Even swelling may not be too conspicuous. Rotational movements and raising the arms up causes pain.

Attention! Learn about knee bursitis in our article.

elbow joint

Bursitis of the elbow joint is a very common disease and among all varieties of bursitis it ranks first in terms of frequency of occurrence. Often, like other types of the disease, it appears due to permanent, occupational injuries, therefore it is diagnosed mainly in athletes, especially tennis players.

hip joint

Hip bursitis is considered the most difficult, as the joint is hidden deep inside, making it a difficult task to treat. In addition, the disease can cover the joint completely.

Fingers

Bursitis of the big toe is bent, it is deformed. The so-called "bone" on the leg, which occurs in many elderly people. It is believed that the disease is hereditary, but it is known for certain that taking care of the legs will not allow it to develop. The degree of curvature can be initial, moderate and severe.

Attention! Women who frequently wear high heels have an increased risk of developing bunions.

Heel

Calcaneal bursitis develops on the calcaneus due to constant physical stress on the Achilles tendon. The patient is worried about severe pain in the joint, especially at night, and movements in the ankle joint are limited.

Treatment at home

First of all, it is recommended to provide the affected joint with relative rest, reducing movements to a minimum. It is best to provide the patient with complete bed rest. However, it should not last more than 10 days - after stopping acute inflammation, you need to start doing gymnastics, at first light, over time complicating the exercises.

Remember! The damaged joint needs reliable fixation - for this, use a tight bandage, which will help to avoid swelling of the tissue. Compresses are also placed on the joint using Vishnevsky ointment.

"Hardening" of the joints

Take ice cubes and apply to sore joints for 10 minutes. When the pain subsides, change the ice for a warm compress. A warm compress can be based on potatoes or a decoction of herbs (yarrow, burdock, St. John's wort, chamomile).

Cocktail

Take a glass of pre-boiled water, still warm, and stir in it a teaspoon of honey and vinegar. It is best to use natural vinegar. Drink a cocktail for 2 weeks, 2 glasses daily.

Compress for elbow bursitis

You will need sour milk and eggshells.

1. The shell, having been cleaned of the film and dried, must be crushed into powder.
2. Pour it with warm sour milk to make a homogeneous mass, and make a compress out of it.
3. It is important to keep the compress warm, so place some cellophane over the compress and secure it with a terry cloth.
4. Apply the compress at night for 5 days, but if the pain does not go away, repeat the course after 5 days of break.

Based on honey, vodka and aloe juice (in a ratio of 2: 3: 1), a similar compress is made.

Compress from Kalanchoe

Pick 3 fresh leaves from the plant, wash them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pour boiling water over the leaves to release the juice. Make them a compress on the inflamed joint. Change the compress frequently. Within a few days, you will notice tangible results.

Cabbage

Take fresh cabbage leaves and apply them to the joint with the inside, changing the compress every 4 hours.

Medication treatment

The basis of treatment includes medicines, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy. Treatment is necessary both internal and local, therefore, when treating with drugs, it is not at all necessary to refuse compresses from ointments or medicinal plants.

Important! The main task during treatment is to relieve inflammation, relieve pain, and restore the functioning of the joint.

Often, antibiotic therapy is indicated for bursitis. If bursitis was caused by microbial flora or it appeared as a result of an infectious injury, antibiotics are prescribed. Moreover, not one, but several drugs at once:

• Lincomycin;
• Ceftriaxone;
• Amoxiclav and others.

They are administered intravenously and intramuscularly, as well as directly into the area of ​​​​the inflamed bursa.

Puncture

About a puncture (puncture) of a bursa responses are very inconsistent. Some believe that this procedure can cause irreversible changes in the structure of the joint. Yes, and the risk of developing sepsis is present. However, on the other hand, without removing the exudate, the diseased joint will not recover.

Steroid hormones that provide anti-inflammatory drugs are injected directly into the joint cavity - Diprospan, Kenalog. True, they also have their drawbacks - they inhibit the recovery processes in tissues. But without anti-inflammatory drugs, the inflammatory process cannot be stopped, therefore their use is necessary.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help, in addition to relieving inflammation, to eliminate pain, swelling and hyperemia. These means include:

• ibuprofen;
• Diclofenac;
• Voltaren;
• Indomethacin.

They are used both externally (ointments) and inside (injections, tablets).

Important! These drugs adversely affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and blood clotting, so be sure to consult your doctor before using them.

When bursitis is accompanied by fever and intoxication of the body, glucocorticosteroids may be prescribed. They are administered intravenously, into the joint or drunk in the form of tablets. The course of treatment is up to three months.

Ointments

Also, ointments are used for bursitis (Levomikol, Vishnevsky ointment, Collagen Ultra). A very popular compress from Vishnevsky's ointment and alcohol or cologne.

1. Apply ointment on a piece of cotton fabric, and then vodka.
2. Compress do with an interval of a couple of days. You need to keep it for a day.
3. It will help reduce swelling.

With a purulent form of the disease, it is necessary to remove pus and clean the joint from fluid. This fluid is examined to determine the pathogen in order to select the most appropriate antibiotic. Then the bursa is washed with an antiseptic solution and appropriate antibiotics are administered.

Physiotherapy procedures

They are prescribed to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling and improve joint mobility. The procedures are indicated after the relief of an acute inflammatory process.

1. Ultrashortwave therapy (UHF).
2. Irradiation is ultraviolet.
3. Phonophoresis (along with analgesics).
4. Magnetotherapy.
5. Laser treatment.
6. Paraffin or mud applications are especially effective for chronic bursitis.
7. Acupuncture.
8. Mineral baths.

When bursitis goes into remission, doctors advise using therapeutic exercises and manual massage.

You can also massage the damaged area yourself, but remember that you need to do this carefully - an incorrectly done massage can only worsen the patient's condition. Massage the inflamed area at night, using oils for plants - eucalyptus, vaseline and lavender.

Therapeutic exercises are especially important for bursitis. It helps to improve blood flow and, as a result, tissue nutrition, restore the motor function of the joint. Exercises are selected and individual taking into account the age of the patient and the type of bursitis. As a rule, the initial exercises are very simple - just swing your arm back and forth.

Treatment with folk remedies

Advice! It is important to coordinate the use of folk recipes with a doctor - bursitis should not be treated on its own.

Vegetables

It is effective to make compresses from vegetables, alternating them with each other. Vegetables such as potatoes, beets, cabbage are best suited.

1. For example, on the first day, cut potatoes into circles and, laying them out on a cloth, wrap them around the damaged joint. Do not forget to fix the compress with something warm (scarf or towel).
2. The next day, use beets or finely chopped cabbage as raw materials.

Propolis

Make compresses and based on propolis. To do this, pour vodka (100 g) propolis (10 g) and leave to infuse in a dark place for 5 days. Apply a compress to the swollen joint until it goes away.

Sugar

Take a glass of sugar and lightly heat it in a pan. Try not to melt the sugar under heat. Sugar should be poured into a bag of dense fabric and applied to the joint, and then wrap the compress with polyethylene and a towel.

1. A tablespoon of celery seeds should be poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for 1.5 hours. After strain and drink 2 weeks 2 times a day.
2. Grapefruit juice. Drink ½ citrus juice 3 rubles / day.
3. Pluck the lilac leaves and squeeze them. Use for compress.
4. Aloe juice, honey and alcohol (take parts in a ratio of 1:2:3) mix and apply in the form of compresses.

Compress for chronic bursitis

Melt teaspoons of honey and soap shavings in a water bath. Spread the mixture on a clean cheesecloth and sprinkle it with finely chopped onions. The compress must be insulated and left overnight. This old method is proven and effective.

Remember! Chronic bursitis can lead to adhesions in the joint that impair function. In the chronic stage, this disease is effectively treated with folk recipes.

Pine needle baths

Gather needles, cones and pine branches, cover with cold water and boil for 30 minutes. After that, leave to infuse for 12 hours in a closed vessel. About 1.5 kg of raw materials should be used per bath. Take a bath for 20 minutes. If bursitis has affected an arm or leg, limit yourself to a bath. In this case, pine needles will need only 300-500 g.

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What it is?

In order to understand what this Latin term means, let's briefly consider the anatomy of the elbow joint.

So, the elbow joint has the following structure:

It is formed by one large bone - the humerus - from above, from below, two smaller bones participate in it - the radius and ulna (they also form a joint between themselves);

Between the radius and the humerus, between the beam and the elbow, and also between the elbow and the skin, there are synovial bags (“bursae” in Latin), which are filled with a small amount of a special “lubricating” (synovial) fluid.

They are “invented” in order to maximally mitigate friction during movements in the joint and to reduce traumatization of surrounding tissues during the performance of the articular function.

Inflammation of one of the joint bags, accompanied by the accumulation of an increased amount of pathological fluid in it, is called bursitis.

Symptoms of the disease

In the area of ​​one of the synovial bags, a swelling appears, which looks like a seal, rather soft when palpated, having a size of about 70-100 mm.

At the same time, you feel:

• fluctuation of fluid inside the joint;
• pain in the area of ​​the affected joint;
• pain on movement in the elbow.

A distinctive feature of bursitis specifically - movements in the elbow are painful, but possible - this differentiates this disease from arthritis.

If the effusion in the bag becomes infected and becomes purulent, then this pus can begin to melt the surrounding soft tissues (phlegmon).

In this case, the following symptoms appear:

• body temperature rises;
• weakness, fatigue;
• nausea and/or vomiting;
• the joint area is red, very painful, tense;
• there may even be confusion and a delusional syndrome with a sufficient amount of effusion caused by an aggressive pathogen.

Kinds

According to the nature of the course, the disease is divided into several main types.

Spicy

This is a first-time disease that usually occurs as a result of a joint injury, which is often later joined by an infecting microorganism (this will be called acute purulent bursitis).

At the same time, the synovial bag sharply increases in size, becomes hemispherical in shape.

Initially, with acute bursitis, a serous (clear and sterile) fluid accumulates in the bag, but with sufficient trauma, blood or blood plasma (hemorrhagic bursitis) also gets there.

Blood stimulates fibrin deposits in the cavity of the synovial bag, then fibrin is organized, blocks the vessels of the synovial membrane.

As a result of this process, the wall of the bag thickens, the surface of its inner shell is covered with connective tissue, which, growing, begins to divide the cavity of the bag into additional pockets (acute proliferative bursitis).

Purulent

It develops when bacterial microorganisms enter the cavity of the synovial bag.

These microbes can get there:

• along the lymphatic pathways from the foci of purulent inflammation (boils, carbuncles, erysipelas, bedsores);
• through the bloodstream (with angina, influenza, brucellosis);
• contact - with a direct wound of the bag with an infected object or with a purulent process in the joint, when the shell of the synovial bag is in direct contact with pus.

By the nature of the microbe that caused the process, bursitis can be:

• specific: gonorrheal, brucellosis, syphilitic, tuberculous;
• non-specific: such bursitis is caused by the "usual" coccal flora.

Chronic

Occurs due to frequent (constant) mechanical irritation of the bag.

This happens especially often in people of such professions who, by the nature of their activities, often make movements at the elbow (“tennis player’s elbow”) or rub their elbow against the surface of the table (“watchmaker’s elbow”, “jeweler’s elbow”).

recurrent

Occurs when, after the inflammatory process subsides, areas of dead tissue or inflammatory fluid remain in the bag of the elbow joint.

Because of this, at the slightest mechanical injury to the bag or conditions unfavorable for the joint, the disease flares up again.

Causes of the disease

The factors provoking the development of bursitis include:

• entry of a microbe into the cavity of the synovial sac: through the lymph, by blood flow, by contact;
• bruises, wounds, abrasions of the elbow joint;
• permanent joint injuries in certain professions;
• prolonged static position with support on the elbows (when performing certain work, in a state of alcoholic or drug intoxication);
• due to some systemic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, gout.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis is usually easy to make on the basis of examination data from an orthopedic traumatologist.

But to clarify the prevalence of the process and exclude complications, there are a number of methods of instrumental diagnostics:

• X-ray of the joint: allows you to establish the presence of an inflammatory process in the joint.
• Ultrasound of the joint: helps to clarify the size and localization of the inflamed bag, the amount of exudate in it
• Joint MRI: allows you to diagnose bursitis of deep articular bags.

How to treat?

This disease should be diagnosed as early as possible in order to start adequate treatment in a timely manner.

Therapy of acute and chronic forms has differences.

Treatment of acute and purulent bursitis of the elbow joint

First aid

In the case of an acute non-purulent process, it is important to do the following:

• apply a tight pressure bandage to the joint, which will not stop arterial circulation, to reduce tissue swelling;
• form a fixing scarf (orthosis), which will support the hand in a physiological position.

Medications

For the treatment of bursitis, various types of drugs are used.

The choice depends on the type of acute pathological process occurring in the bag - whether it is serous, hemorrhagic or purulent.

Antibiotic treatment

In the event of bursitis, a puncture of the bag is performed.

According to the results of the analysis of the punctate, antibacterial treatment is prescribed:

• with purulent bursitis the contents of the inflamed bag are sown on nutrient media to determine the type of microbe and its sensitivity to antibiotics. Until the results of the culture are obtained, treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the form of injections is prescribed. After receiving the results, the drug can be changed taking into account antibiotic sensitivity;
• with serous or hemorrhagic bursitis antibiotics are prescribed to prevent suppuration. Tablets may be used.

Video: puncture technique for ulnar bursitis

Dimexide therapy

Compresses are used with this preparation, which itself, diluted 1: 4 with boiled water, is an excellent antiseptic.

Dimexide draws out pus and prevents its appearance in the joint bag.

If such a diluted drug is sprinkled on top with a dry antibiotic (for example, Ceftriaxone), then it will not act on its own, but will conduct the antibiotic through the skin, delivering it to the joint.

injections

In the treatment of bursitis, both intramuscular or intravenous injections (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and absorbable drugs) and the introduction of drugs into the bag of the elbow joint are used.

In this case, the joint is injected:

• antibiotics;
• anti-inflammatory hormones ("Hydrocortisone", "Kenalog");
• antiseptics.

iodine

This antiseptic is used to treat superficial wounds and abrasions in the area of ​​​​the inflamed joint bag - only if there is no allergy to this drug.

There is also a prescription for the "folk" treatment of bursitis with iodine (should be used in combination with the therapy prescribed by the doctor), for which they take:

• 1 small bottle of iodine;
• 1 bottle of triple cologne;
• 1 bottle of valerian extract;
• 6 powdered tablets of Analgin.

All components are mixed, insisted in a dry, dark place for 5 days, then used as rubbing on the joint.

Ointments

For the treatment of bursitis, the following ointments can be used:

• traumeel C (homeopathic anti-inflammatory agent);
• dimexide (it is already available in the form of a gel for external use only);
• anti-inflammatory ointments: Voltaren, Diclofenac, Indomethacin and others.

Tablets

In the form of tablets can be used:

• anti-inflammatory drugs: "Nimesil", "Diclofenac", "Analgin";
• "Prednisolone" in tablets (only for serous inflammations, in exceptional cases);
• antibacterial drugs - as prescribed by a doctor.

Other conservative treatment

In the treatment of bursitis, "all means are good", so traditional medicine methods must be combined with complementary therapy.

Treatment with leeches

In this case, when placing leeches in the area just above or below the elbow joint, the following occurs:

• improvement of microcirculation in the "sick" bag;
• venous stasis decreases (hence, the cavity of the bag is cleared faster);
• tissue ischemia is eliminated;
• tissue trophism improves.

The leech affects the diseased joint with several enzymes at once, the main of which is destabilase - an enzyme that "cuts" blood clots and clots in the cavity of the bag.

Folk remedies

• Tear off several sheets of Kalanchoe, beat them off. Apply them to the area of ​​​​the diseased joint, wrap it well with a woolen scarf.
• Soak gauze with a decoction of burdock root, put it on the joint, cover it with polyethylene on top, wrap it with a woolen scarf.
• Cut raw potatoes into thin circles, put them on a cotton cloth, wrap the joint. Cellophane is placed on top, then wrapped with a woolen scarf or scarf.

At home, you can also use the following methods:

• Baths for a diseased joint (if the process is not purulent) from a decoction of branches and cones of needles. To do this, branches and cones are poured with 5 liters of cold water, the mixture is brought to a boil, boiled for about half an hour, infused for 12 hours.
• Three times a day, half an hour before meals, take half a glass of freshly prepared grapefruit juice.
• Mix 30 grams of propolis with 20 grams of soft butter. One hour before meals, three times a day, take a teaspoon of this mixture.

Physiotherapy

The following methods are used:

• ultrasound;
• diathermy;
• ultraviolet irradiation;
• when inflammation subsides - paraffin applications, balneotherapy.

Surgical treatment

In acute purulent bursitis, the inflamed bag is opened, its walls are excised, and treated with antiseptics. Next, the wound is carried out in an open way.

With a recurrent purulent process, the inflamed bag is completely excised, the wound is washed with antiseptic solutions, then the person receives antibiotics in the form of injections, painkillers, and UV irradiation of the wound.

Treatment of chronic and recurrent forms of the disease

After the first course of treatment of an acute process, it is important to undergo physiotherapy procedures.

If the process has developed as a result of professional activity, the patient is recommended to change the type of work.

Also used are periodic thermal procedures, compresses with dimexide, application of anti-inflammatory ointments to the joint area.

If the purulent process recurs, the main type of treatment is surgical, when the synovial sac is completely excised.

After that, a person receives antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy for about 7 days.

Prevention measures

It consists in eliminating stress on the joint.

Sometimes - in the chronic course of the process - it is recommended to wear special orthoses.

Also, the concept of "prevention of bursitis" includes:

• timely treatment of wounds and joint injuries;
• treatment of common inflammatory diseases;
• wearing protective bandages on the area of ​​the subcutaneous bag, if your work is associated with constant external trauma to the tissues of the joint.

Thus, the treatment of elbow bursitis should be comprehensive, including both local and general therapy, the use of folk and physiotherapeutic agents.

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Distinctive features of the treatment of acute bursitis

The acute form of this disease can be treated on an outpatient basis. It is necessary to fix the diseased joint. This is best done with an elastic bandage. In especially acute cases, the doctor can fix the joint with a plaster splint.

To relieve an intense inflammatory process, ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually used. Such drugs as Diclofenac, Nikoflex have proven themselves in the treatment. With severe pain syndrome, glucocorticosteroid drugs are used. Most often, the doctor prescribes hydrocortisone ointment to patients. In the same cases, the introduction of Novocain is indicated.

Joint punctures are prescribed if treatment with ointments does not bring a pronounced result within a week. Antibacterial agents are indicated only if an infection joins the inflammatory process.

After conservative treatment of bursitis with ointments, provided that the main symptoms subside, physiotherapy is indicated. Irradiation with ultraviolet rays, phonophoresis, electrophoresis are prescribed. Showing alcohol compresses, dressings.

Use of antibiotics

Local antibiotics for bursitis are prescribed only by a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to independently prescribe such medicines for pain in the joints and their inflammation. Usually, Levomycetin or another antibiotic-based ointment is used, which is prescribed after a thorough diagnosis of the inflammatory process in the joint bag.

For treatment, ointments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used in parallel. Is it Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. However, in the treatment of NSAIDs, the use of an antibiotic is mandatory: in this way, it is possible to significantly reduce the severity of the inflammatory process in the elbow.

Along with creams, antibiotic injections may also be prescribed. This type of treatment is required for purulent complicated bursitis.

Application of Diclofenac

Ointment or cream Diclofenac is widely used to treat inflammation of the articular bag. Among the advantages of such a medicine, one can name not only its excellent analgesic effect, but also an affordable price. This drug is not suitable for self-medication: the patient should in any case consult a doctor before starting therapy.

Ointment has the following contraindications:

• diseases of the digestive organs at the stage of exacerbation;
• aspirin triad;
• violations of hematopoietic processes, especially of unknown origin;
• sensitivity to Diclofenac or to any other drugs of a similar group.

During treatment, the dosage prescribed by the doctor must be observed. The patient cannot determine it on his own. Sometimes a higher dose is prescribed by a doctor for severe pain.

When treating with Diclofenac, care must be taken, as the drug can cause the following side effects:

• nausea, vomiting and other disorders of the digestive tract;
• liver dysfunction (very rare);
• headaches, dizziness and increased nervous irritability;
• increased fatigue;
• sleep disorders;
• feeling of "doubling" in the eyes;
• depressive states;
• blood disorders: a drop in the number of red blood cells, leukemia, thrombocytopenia;
• skin disorders: rash, itching, hair loss;
• burning and redness at the site of external application.

It must be remembered that joint treatment with Acetylsalicylic acid significantly reduces the effectiveness of the ointment for knee bursitis.

Remedies with Ibuprofen

Ointment with Ibuprofen does not have a pronounced systemic effect on the body. Its components are selected in such a way that it is active only in areas of inflammation. The drug is effective not only for diseases of the elbow joint, but also in cases where a person, for example, has a knee pain.

The peculiarity of the ointment is that its active ingredient slowly penetrates into diseased tissues. This achieves the effect of prolonged action of the drug. Just in the affected tissues, it is possible to achieve increased concentrations of Ibuprofen. As a result, getting rid of pain and inflammation occurs quite quickly.

Ointment can be used in the following cases:

• pain in the joints;
• phenomena of inflammation in the elbow;
• limitation of active movements in it;
• edema and degenerative lesions of the periarticular bag;
• bruises of the elbow (without breaking the integrity).

Ointment or cream should be applied with a strip on the affected area of ​​​​the body and rubbed until completely absorbed. Usually, the doctor indicates to the patient in detail the duration of treatment. Based on the instructions or other information, it is impossible to determine the duration of therapy.

As a rule, subject to the rules of therapy and all the instructions of the doctor, side effects develop very rarely. In exceptional cases, allergic reactions may occur. This happens with increased sensitivity to the active components of the ointment.

It can not be used during pregnancy, violation of the skin, children (up to 14 years) age. It is unacceptable to treat bursitis of the knee joint during breastfeeding, as its active components enter the milk and have an adverse effect on the child. Such an ointment is especially carefully used for bronchial asthma, hay fever.

When to use Dolobene and its analogues

This is a combination drug, it consists of Dimethyl sulfoxide, Heparin and Dexpanthenol. It promotes the restoration of affected tissues and activates metabolic processes in them.

Dolobene can be used in the following cases:

• elbow joint injuries, including sports ones;
• muscle damage;
• inflammation of the articular bag of the elbow;
• sprain;
• sharp pain in the elbow;
• other degenerative disorders of the joint, leading to a pronounced impairment of mobility.

Dolobene gel should be applied to the affected area and then evenly distributed over the affected surface, rubbing into the skin. This must be done very carefully so as not to cause additional pain. You can additionally apply a bandage.

You need to be careful, because Dolobene can cause such side effects:

• local allergic reactions;
• itching and burning sensation
• the appearance of an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth (this sensation passes quickly);
• sometimes there may be some change in the sense of taste);
• Quincke's edema can be observed very rarely.

It is forbidden to use Dolobene gel with severe disorders of the liver and kidneys, in addition, with vegetative - vascular dystonia. The drug is not prescribed during pregnancy and lactation. Children under the age of five are not prescribed such a medicine due to the lack of treatment practice. It must be remembered that this is still a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and it is taken with all caution.

The use of Vishnevsky ointment for bursitis

This ointment contains tar, castor oil and xeroform. Refers to antiseptics. However, Vishnevsky's ointment is an excellent mixture for the treatment of inflammatory processes, as it dissolves exudate well.

The action of the ointment is based on the properties of its components:

• xeroform has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and well relieves purulent inflammation of the articular bag;
• birch tar intensifies blood flow to diseased tissues;
• castor oil softens the skin and helps other ointments to be absorbed into the skin more quickly.

Such an ointment for bursitis is well absorbed into the skin due to its structure. It is very easy to apply, then it is quickly absorbed into the affected tissues.

Ointment from bursitis of the knee joint is recommended to be used only according to the testimony of a doctor. With bursitis, it is highly undesirable to self-medicate, since the disease can become chronic. Contraindication to the use of the drug is a pronounced tendency to allergic reactions.

Warming ointments for bursitis

They contain specific components that increase capillary permeability: snake or bee venom, pepper extract, essential oils. They locally cause tissue hyperemia and increase blood flow. The only remark regarding the use of such compounds is that they cannot be prescribed in the acute period or immediately after the injury, since in this case, on the contrary, cooling of the tissue is necessary.

Typically, these ointments include:

• Methyl salicylate;
• Ketoprofen;
• ibuprofen;
• Diclofenac.

The action of all ointments of this group is aimed at getting rid of unpleasant symptoms and the speedy restoration of active movements in the joints.

The modern market offers a huge number of warming ointments that are successfully used against bursitis. They perfectly cope with the symptoms of inflammation of the articular bag. All such drugs, despite the fact that they can be used at home, are prescribed only by a doctor. Self-treatment of bursitis is prohibited, since it is impossible to get rid of it under such conditions, and the risk of developing dangerous complications increases significantly. The vast majority of these drugs are sold in pharmacies without a prescription.

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Types of bursitis

Bursitis is divided by duration:

• spicy: it is manifested by sudden pain when making movements with a limb and a rapid accumulation of exudate. Perhaps an increase in temperature, the appearance of general intoxication and dysfunction of the main organs;
• chronic: manifested for a long time by aching pain in the elbow without disturbing the mobility of the arm. The pathology is characterized by a dense small formation, but there will be no large tumor;
• recurrent: manifested by exacerbation of chronic pathology with the presence of some part of the inflammatory exudate due to repeated trauma and violation of the structure of tissues by infection.

Depending on what inflammatory and pathological processes develop in the synovial bag of the elbow, the type of bursitis is distinguished:

• purulent: when filling the bursa with purulent exudate caused by infectious and pyogenic bacteria;
• serous: when filling the bag with a clear liquid that is not associated with infectious agents;
• hemorrhagic or post-traumatic with accumulation of blood. Manifested after injuries and due to specific infections;
• fibrinous with deposition of fibrin in the cavity of the bag. This indicates a tuberculous process in the body;
• calcareous with accumulation of calcium salts in the bursa capsule. At the same time, it loses its elasticity and cannot perform depreciation protection of the joint.

The video in this article shows an operation for purulent elbow bursitis:

Inflammatory pathology is also distinguished by two more classifications:

• specific bursitis: manifested against the background of syphilis, gonorrhea, brucellosis. His treatment begins after complex therapy that eliminates the underlying disease;
• non-specific infectious bursitis due to trauma: cut or open fracture. Through the wound, the pathogen penetrates, pus and blood accumulate in the bursa. The condition of the pain zone is dangerous with possible necrosis or blood poisoning.

The reasons

The main reasons for the development of pathology are as follows:

• injuries: blows, falls on the elbow, microtrauma due to the forced repetition of the same movements at work;
• overload of the elbow joint in sports competitions and training, when doing hard work, for example, in a mine, in factories or in auto mechanic workshops;
• penetration of infectious microorganisms into the blood and lymph: Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, as well as specific bacteria: tubercle bacillus, treponema pallidum, brucella, gonococcus;
• joint diseases: rheumatoid or gouty arthritis, systemic scleroderma, lupus erythematosus;
• allergy: the body can respond to allergens and their effects by developing inflammation in the bursa in children under 7 years of age and school age;
• unknown cause of the inflammatory process. Then this form of pathology is called cryptogenic.

Bursitis symptoms

Bursitis can develop against the background of psoriatic, rheumatoid or gouty arthritis, due to microtrauma resulting from constant reliance on the elbow on a hard surface during work. An old mechanical injury, a fall on the elbow can also manifest itself as inflammation of the elbow joint. In case of damage to the skin and penetration into the bursa of infection (bacteria), purulent inflammation develops.

The infection can spread through the bloodstream and lymph within the body from another infected organ. Weakened immunity, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and even treatment with steroid drugs can lead to inflammation in the elbow, for an unknown reason, symptoms of idiopathic bursitis may occur.

If local inflammation develops, then it will manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• redness of the skin;
• swelling and edema;
• an increase in local temperature;
• pain attacks during palpation and movement of the hand;
• dysfunction of the joint: a decrease in the range of motion and performance.

A slight puffiness gradually turns into a hemispherical or rounded dense and elastic formation, the size of which can reach 10 cm or more. Pain and symptoms of intoxication of the body appear: body temperature rises, weakness and malaise, nausea and vomiting are concerned. Before treating bursitis of the elbow joint, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis, including a differential check, to identify the nature of the causative agent of the pathology.

To confirm bursitis and/or a concomitant disease (such as arthritis), the doctor prescribes an x-ray and a puncture. Accurate confirmation of the etiology of the disease is confirmed by a general and biochemical blood test.

The size and localization of inflammation in the bags and the amount of exudate in them can be found in the study of ultrasound of the joint. Deep inflammation can be diagnosed by MRI results.

Treatment

Before treating chronic bursitis of the elbow joint, it is necessary to perform a puncture to remove exudate. In case of inflammation due to trauma, antibiotics and hormonal agents, such as Hydrocortisone, should be injected into the bag.

Treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint should be comprehensive and include surgical, medical, physiotherapeutic, non-traditional and folk methods.

Important! In order not to exacerbate inflammation even more, it is necessary to unload the joint as much as possible and reduce its work with a tight bandage, without disturbing blood circulation, put on a bandage or orthosis, and support the arm with a scarf or special belts.

The price for bandages for the elbow is from 200-150 rubles, for orthoses - from 500-900 rubles. If bursitis is associated with an extensive closed injury, then the limb is immobilized with a plaster cast or splint.

Surgical operations

If chronic, acute and purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is detected, the treatment involves opening the inflamed focus. Bursectomy is used: excision of the ulnar bag, then drainage. A special tube is inserted to remove all purulent exudate, rinse and inject antibacterial drugs and corticosteroids for inflammation.

Constant relapses lead to thickening of the walls of the bursa, the formation of folds and an increase in its volume. Conservative treatment does not always give the expected effect, so the bag is cut and excised using general or local anesthesia.

To ensure rest and speedy healing of the wound, a splint is applied for 5-7 days or more. During this time, the connective tissue grows, forming a new articular bag. Next, orthoses or bandages are used.

If it is possible not to operate, then the purulent contents are removed and the cavity of the bag is washed during the puncture.

Medicines

After a course of non-steroidal drugs for inflammation of Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, pain and temperature in the inflammatory epicenter decrease.

It's important to know. To reduce the negative impact of non-steroidal drugs on the gastrointestinal mucosa, drugs of the proton inhibitor group should be taken simultaneously: Nexium, Esomeprazole, Omez and others.

In the presence of a purulent-infectious process in the bursa, broad-spectrum antibiotics are taken. The doctor prescribes an antibiogram, according to the results of which he individually selects the necessary medicine. In advanced cases, corticosteroids are injected into the joint. After removing the purulent exudate, Kenalog is injected into the bursa, the most popular steroid hormone for stopping inflammation.

Attention! It is impossible to prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis on your own for non-infectious bursitis! It will not bring benefits, but will only develop the addiction of bacteria to the drug.

If there are no wounds, scratches on the elbow joint and it is free of plaster or bandages, then the problem area is lubricated with anti-inflammatory gels and ointments, such as Nise, Diclofenac, Voltaren or Ibuprofen. Strengthen the body with vitamins, calcium preparations, immunostimulants.

Physiotherapy

In the post-acute period, in order to eliminate inflammation and improve metabolic processes, physiotherapy is prescribed for the elbow joint:

• UHF or ultrasound;
• magnetotherapy;
• phonophoresis for hydrocortisone;
• paraffin wraps;
• ozocerite applications;
• acupuncture;
• acupressure.

To physiotherapy add the treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint with folk remedies and / or natural natural remedies at home, like bischofite or stone oil.

Stone oil consists of aluminum alum with magnesium sulfate and water-soluble salts. It is collected from the surface of rocks. But it should not be confused with mumiyo, since oil is a mineral product, and mumiyo is an organomineral product.

These two mountain substances have a different composition. Stone oil boosts immunity and kills bacteria. It is sold in its pure form or mixed with cedar or fir resin, small sea buckthorn, extracts from medicinal herbs: nettle, sea buckthorn, mint, St. John's wort, as well as chaga, beaver stream and other medicinal substances.

Bischofite in the form of a natural brine is mined when drilling wells. It is saturated with bromine, iodine, chloride-magnesium-sodium complex, iron and other healthy elements. Bischofite warms and has a moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, restores elbow mobility.

Therapy with bischofite and stone oil

After removal of excess exudate from the synovial bag and in the absence of concomitant arthritis, treatment of elbow bursitis at home can be supplemented with bischofite and stone oil.

Instructions for treatment procedures are given in the table:

Physiotherapy

In the recovery (post-acute) period after surgery or a course of medications, they begin to develop the elbow with physiotherapy exercises. Initially, minimal loads are applied: they are taken away in different directions and the forearm is brought.

In physiotherapy and physiotherapy departments of medical centers, passive development of the elbow joints is carried out on the FISIOTEK HP robotic simulator.

Kinesiotherapy and parterre gymnastics of Bubnovsky is an alternative to traditional medical methods of treatment and classical exercise therapy for elbow injury, ligament damage and bursitis. The elbow joint is developed on universal simulators in the post-acute and/or rehabilitation period after surgery.

Alternative treatment

With the diagnosis of "bursitis of the elbow joint", treatment with folk remedies becomes an important part of therapy, both when prescribing an operation, and when performing a puncture and using medications. Herbal treatment is recognized as official medicine and can save you from surgery and pain if you start using ointments and compresses, baths and applications in time.

Application from Kalanchoe

Large leaves are thoroughly washed and placed in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, they are scalded with boiling water or crushed with a spoon until juice appears or crushed. Apply to the inflamed elbow and fix with cellophane and a scarf. Change the application 3-4 times / day, with purulent bursitis - more often.

Lilac flower applications

Pure flowers are crushed until juice appears and applied on linen to the elbow for 2 hours, then changed to a “fresh” bandage.

Aloe vera with honey

In acute bursitis: mix aloe juice (1 tablespoon) and honey (2 tablespoons). The composition is distributed over gauze (bandage), folded in several layers. Apply to the elbow, fix with cellophane and woolen cloth. Withstand 2 hours.

With purulent bursitis: mix alcohol (2 tbsp.) With pharmacy ox bile (1 bottle), ground horse chestnut fruits (2 tbsp.), Chopped aloe leaves (3 pcs.). Insist 10-12 days. Then the linen cloth is moistened and applied to the problem area, covered with a film and fixed with a woolen scarf. Course - 10 procedures at night, break - 10 days.

Lotions from tincture with propolis

Infuse propolis (15 g) in vodka or alcohol (100 ml) for 7 days. Lotions are applied until the expected effect is obtained.

Baths with pine extract

Cones and branches of needles (1.5 kg) are placed in a bucket of water, boiled for half an hour and infused for 1.5 hours. Separate the water from the thick and add 1-2 liters to the bath, 0.5-1 liters to the elbow bath.

Conclusion. Traditional medicine in a comprehensive program is used to strengthen the immune system, reduce swelling and inflammation, eliminate pain, and prevent complications. In this case, hypothermia of the elbow joint should not be allowed, and the load should be increased gradually.

prophylaxis

After surgery and in order to prevent bursitis, orthoses or bandages on the elbow joint of various designs and types are prescribed.

Prevention of elbow bursitis also includes:

• dosed loads on the joint;
• correct mode of work and rest.

The risk of injury should be excluded and traumatic effects on the elbow at work and during sports training should be prevented.

Effects

The consequences of elbow bursitis are treated longer and more difficult.

Bursitis provokes:

• phlegmon: the purulent cellular space under the skin melts down to the muscles. Inflammation and swelling extends to healthy tissue surrounding the bursa;
• lymphangitis: lymphoid ducts become inflamed, which take the form of red lines or a grid coming from a purulent area;
• lymphadenitis: lymph nodes become infected through the flow of lymph into them from the inflammatory focus. In this case, the formation of an abscess;
• purulent arthritis: when inflammation passes to the joint next to the purulent bursa.

Bursitis or inflammation of the synovial bursa of the elbow joint should be treated with conservative and traditional medicine methods in the early stages and surgical intervention in the later stages of advanced pathology.

Joint bursitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the synovial bags located around the joint. The causes of the development of the disease may be injury or infection. The decision on how to treat ulnar bursitis should be made by the attending physician. It is necessary to be especially careful with the acute development of the inflammatory process in the elbow.

What is elbow bursitis, causes and symptoms

If the process is not stopped in time, gangrene and general sepsis of the body may begin. Therefore, acute purulent bursitis of the elbow joint must be treated exclusively in a specialized medical institution.

In addition to infection, bursitis can cause:

• past trauma
• fracture
• stretching of ligaments and tendons
• dislocation

Types of bursitis

According to the ICD, several types of diseases are distinguished, depending on the clinical picture and the causes of development:

If left untreated, bursitis of the elbow joint, over time, the disease leads to complete immobilization of the limb and destruction of the cartilage structure. The operation for bursitis is performed with partial or complete removal of the synovial bag.

Why is elbow bursitis dangerous?

Depending on the type of pathology, the following complications are possible:

• Purulent inflammation. Body temperature rises to 40°C. Gradually, the inflammation spreads to the surrounding tissues, gangrene begins. If the process is not stopped, the patient dies of sepsis.
• The usual course of the disease. Treatment of the elbow in the event of bursitis does not require the appointment of antibiotics. The goal of therapy is to stop inflammation and eliminate its causes.
  Mistakes in prescribing treatment, unwillingness to address problems to the doctor leads to the fact that bursitis becomes chronic. Treatment requires surgery. The joint is punctured. An anti-inflammatory agent, usually Dimexide and other NSAIDs, is injected into the cavity of the synovial bursa. In severe and advanced cases, the bursa is removed, which leads to disability.

Removal of bursitis is required only in extreme cases, mainly it is possible to cope with inflammation with the help of conservative treatment.

How to treat bursitis in the elbow, methods and means

At this stage of therapy, the following treatment is prescribed:

• NSAIDs are administered intramuscularly or directly into the cavity of the elbow joint. It is quite difficult to make an intra-articular injection, therefore only an experienced surgeon should carry out manipulations.
• Antibiotics. If the nature of the infection with purulent bursitis on the elbow joint is not clear, general medicines are prescribed. When determining the pathogen, antibiotics of a narrow spectrum of action.
• Painkillers. In some cases, a blockade of the joint is performed. The blockade allows you to remove the inflammatory process and reduce the intensity of pain.

How to treat elbow bursitis at home (folk methods)

The patient can be relieved in the following ways:

1. Purulent inflammation. Laundry soap, onion and honey are taken in equal proportions. The ingredients are mixed and applied to a gauze bandage. To fix the bandage, a woolen scarf or scarf is used.
2. Acute inflammation. For the composition, it is necessary to take honey and aloe juice in a ratio of 2 to 1. The resulting mixture is applied to a bandage, applied to the inflamed area and wrapped in cellophane. The bandage is applied to the affected area for 2 hours.

Restoration of the elbow joint after bursitis

Therapeutic exercise is developed taking into account the contracture of the joint. Initially, the exercises are passive in nature, a power load is gradually added. During the massage procedure, an ointment from elbow bursitis is rubbed into the joint area, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the procedure.

Traditional medicine is able to help the patient even in severe cases of bursitis. By combining drug and alternative therapy, you can achieve rapid improvements in well-being.

Our joints perform a lot of work every day and cope with the huge loads that we place on them in view of our life activity. With such a high level of stress, very often the joints can be exposed to a wide variety of pathologies and diseases. One of the common diseases affecting the articular bag is bursitis of the elbow joint.

It is the elbow joint - this is the most favorite place of the disease. Synovial fluid, which is secreted by synovial cells lining special joint capsules - bursae, cushions the load on bones and joints, and also lubricates them. Fluid accumulates in the joint bags and as a result of its excess, inflammation can occur, which is called bursitis.

The mechanism of the occurrence of pathology

Due to the content of the lubricating fluid in the bag cavity, the friction of bones and tissues against each other during mobility is minimized. The elbow joint is anatomically surrounded by three articular bags: subcutaneous, interosseous and radiohumeral. Thanks to them, a person does not feel any discomfort and can perform any function with his hands. Normally, the ulnar bursa is smooth, flat, and ideally contributes to the work of the elbow joint. When inflammation occurs, an excess of synovial fluid appears in the bursae, which presses on the surrounding tissues and causes pain. In this case, we are talking about bursitis of the elbow joint.

Causes of the disease

Most often, this disease affects people who make multiple active movements with their hands, and in particular flexion - extension of the elbow. This may be due to the performance of certain monotonous work or the participation in certain sports, such as golf, hockey or tennis.

In some cases, bursitis can be provoked by an injury in which the blow falls on the very edge of the elbow. Another likely cause of bursitis is joint disease such as arthritis or gout, as well as infection inside the bag. When synovial fluid becomes infected, acute purulent bursitis develops inside the bursa.

Classification by type

Depending on the nature of the exudate, bursitis can be one of three types:

• serous, in which the effusion is not infected;
• hemorrhagic, in which there are blood impurities in the joint bag, most often occurs as a result of injury to the elbow joint;
• purulent, in which infection of the synovial fluid inside the joint bag occurs.

Purulent bursitis can be specific and nonspecific. A specific type occurs against the background of syphilitic, tuberculous or gonococcal etiology. As for the non-specific form, the causes of its occurrence are infection with streptococci, staphylococci and other non-specific microflora. Often it occurs with various injuries, when the infection gets inside through skin lesions - abrasions, scratches. Also, infection can pass through the lymphatic vessels from neighboring tissues when there are foci of purulent abscesses, boils, etc. in the human body.

Depending on the nature of the course, the disease is classified into the following forms of bursitis:

• chronic;
• spicy;
• subacute;
• recurrent.

Characteristic signs and symptoms

Symptoms of elbow bursitis can develop in different ways depending on its form and cause. So, in acute they appear suddenly and have a fairly intense character. In the chronic form, symptoms may appear and be observed steadily for several weeks, after which they subside again.

In the place of the inflamed articular bag of the elbow joint, a seal, swelling is formed, and the tissues increase in volume. Visually, bursitis can be quite difficult to determine, since inflammation is not visible through the skin. Only in some cases, when the affected articular bags are located close to the outside, there is reddening of the skin over it, as well as a local increase in temperature.

It is possible to find out that the patient develops bursitis of the elbow joint by the presence of a specific swelling, soft in texture on palpation. The size of the swelling can be 7-10 centimeters. All manipulations of the patient's hand are accompanied by painful sensations, possibly general malaise and in some cases a sharp rise in body temperature. However, movements, unlike arthritis of the elbow joint, are not at all limited.

With a purulent form of bursitis, the inflammatory process can also affect nearby tissues. In this case, patients may develop a fever. In view of the acute deterioration of the patient's condition, very often he has to be urgently hospitalized for treatment in a hospital.

Diagnostic methods

Most often, the diagnosis of the disease occurs by examining and examining the symptoms, without any additional research methods. Bursitis is most often indicated by a specific edema formed around the elbow bend. However, in some cases, a clarification of the diagnosis is required, for which a puncture can be performed. In this case, the synovial fluid is taken for examination to clarify the nature of the exudate and its bacteriological examination is performed.

In some cases, it is advisable to resort to an X-ray examination, which allows you to establish damage to the process of the elbow or the presence of osteophytes on it.

Existing treatments

Treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint is reduced to the elimination of pain and localization of the inflammatory process. The tactics of treatment is determined by the form of the inflammatory process. In any course of the disease, patients it is necessary to ensure maximum peace injured elbow. This can be done quite effectively with a fixing bandage. Dry heat also helps very well at home.

Treatment in a hospital setting may include:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• surgical intervention;
• non-drug therapy.

Drug treatment methods can treat bursitis, both in acute and in its chronic form. To do this, anti-inflammatory drugs are very effectively used today, including locally, for example, Voltaren, ibuprofen, diclofenac. Also, drug treatment includes antibiotic therapy, which is necessary in the presence of infections. Drugs are selected for patients depending on sensitivity to certain microorganisms that cause inflammation. With a clearly manifested inflammatory process, glucocorticosteroids are used, which are injected into the inflamed bag.

Surgical treatment is most often advisable for purulent inflammation and in some cases with chronic forms. In this case, the following types of operations apply:

1. Puncture of the inflamed bag. Suitable for purulent forms of bursitis. During the manipulation, a purulent formation is removed, followed by washing the joint bag with an antiseptic. At the same time, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs can be introduced into the cavity of the bursa.
2. Drainage of the inflamed bag. It is also indicated for purulent bursitis. In this case, the cavity is opened and drained with a tube. The procedure is carried out until the signs of the inflammatory process disappear.
3. Bursectomy. The most radical operation, during which the inflamed ulnar bursa is excised. Most often, this method is used for chronic bursitis of the elbow joint, when there is a thickening of the bursal walls, which affects the quality of life of the patient and makes it difficult for him to live normally. This operation can be performed under local or general anesthesia. After the operation, a splint is applied to the patient for several days, thanks to which rest is provided to the elbow joint and wound healing. In the future, a new articular bag is formed from the connective tissue of the patient.

Traditional Treatments can be successfully combined with folk methods, which effectively treat such a disease as bursitis of the elbow joint. After treatment, patients are advised to limit their ability to work for some time and stop playing sports. With a favorable outcome of treatment, patients fully recover after a few weeks.

Bursitis- an inflammatory disease that forms in the bag of the joint. In this situation, we mean inflammation of the intra-articular bag of the olecranon. Near each joint are synovial bags containing liquid. They are needed for depreciation (separation of articular surfaces) and protection of joints from various injuries.

The most traumatic area is the knee, followed by the elbow joint. In the latter there are 3 bags, each of which contains a certain amount of fluid (ulnar subcutaneous, interosseous ulnar, interosseous).

Bursitis of the elbow called inflammation of one of these bags. In ICD-10, this disease is assigned the code 70-71.

The reasons

The following reasons contribute to the formation and progression of elbow bursitis:

1. The main factor leading to bursitis is any arthritis(rheumatoid, gouty, psoriatic). As a result of a sufficiently strong inflammation in the cartilage itself or in the synovial bag, an accumulation of fluid forms, which is the cause of the formation of elbow bursitis.
2. Infection in the body often leads to bursitis. Most often this happens if the periarticular tissue was deformed next to the bursa, and harmful microorganisms and bacteria were found in the wound. Bursitis of the elbow joint can cause panaritium. With such an infectious inflammation, the soft tissues of the fingers and bones are affected. In some cases, the infection is able to get into the synovial bag "from the inside", i.e. transported by blood (hematogenous route) or lymph (lymphogenic route).
3. A rare factor in the development of bursitis - microtrauma. Due to the repeated repetition of the same movements, the elbow joint is injured. This disease most often occurs in people whose work is associated with the support of the elbow on a hard surface. These are, for example, chess players, students, engravers, draftsmen. Such people are subject to inflammation of the subcutaneous ulnar bursa, and in tennis players, for example, pathology of the interosseous ulnar bursa is more often observed. This discrepancy is caused by the peculiarities of the distribution of the load on the elbow, from which it follows that the places of occurrence of microtraumas are different.
4. In some cases, after the acquisition mechanical injury elbow bursitis does not develop immediately, but after a while. This happens when a person hits or falls on a given part of the body. It is extremely rare that the origin of elbow bursitis cannot be determined.

Also among causes of inflammation in the elbow joint some chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, etc.) Failure of the metabolic process, low immunity, taking steroid drugs can also lead to the development of elbow bursitis.

Classification

Like most inflammatory diseases, elbow bursitis can be acute, subacute and chronic. It is important that each type of bursitis is distinguished depending on which of the bags has undergone deformation. The quality of the fluid contained in the damaged bursa also matters.

Thus, the following types of bursitis are distinguished:

• serous;
• hemorrhagic;
• purulent;
• fibrous;
• mixed.

Symptoms of elbow bursitis

For signs of acute serous-homorrhagic or serous bursitis elbow joint include:

• mild pain, swelling, redness, fever in the area of ​​inflammation;
• difficult movement in the elbow area;
• there may be a significant spherical protrusion for the eyes, soft to the touch;
• in general, the state of the body remains unchanged, however, in some patients, the body temperature rises, malaise and general weakness are noted.

Among the symptoms purulent bursitis elbow joint experts note:

• sharp, twitching or bursting pain;
• the stronger the inflammation, the more noticeable the pain;
• the elbow becomes hot to the touch, swells, there is an excess of blood in the skin (hyperemia), when pressed with fingers, the pain increases sharply;
• severe difficulty in the movement of the elbow joint, the lymph nodes around it are enlarged;
• symptoms characteristic of poisoning appear: weakness throughout the body, broken state, headache, irritability, excessive sweating, body temperature rises to 38-39 degrees.

Much longer than acute, leaking chronic elbow bursitis, having the following symptoms:

• slight pain during movement;
• discomfort in the elbow joint;
• movements in the articulation are almost not difficult;
• the area of ​​inflammation looks like a dense formation.

First aid

If an acute non-purulent bursitis is found in a patient, it is necessary to help him as follows:

• To reduce swelling, you need to apply a tight pressure bandage that does not interfere with arterial circulation.
• Tie a fixing scarf (orthosis) supporting the arm with the inflamed area.

It is forbidden carry out these actions with purulent ulnar bursitis, because under pressure there is a risk of pus entering the tissues and blood vessels located in the immediate vicinity. With this type of disease, it is recommended to use medications in the treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint.

Diagnostics

The patient is examined by an orthopedic doctor, who can easily establish the correct diagnosis. However, in order to understand the extent of the spread of inflammation and exclude possible complications, there are the following types of diagnostics:

• radiography joint, which will help to identify the existence of a pathological process in the joint;
• ultrasound the joint will specify the extent and location of the inflamed bag and the amount of exudate in it;
• An MRI of the joint is used to diagnose deep bursitis.

Identification of the disease in the early stages of its course will allow timely start of adequate treatment of elbow bursitis.

Effects

It is important to note that the complications of elbow bursitis are much more difficult to cure than the disease itself. Complications are the melting of the walls in the synovial cavity and the spread of the pathogenic mass to nearby areas. The lack of timely assistance from a specialist and bringing ulnar bursitis to severe stages contribute to the development of various complications.

The table shows the possible consequences of the disease:

Treatment of elbow bursitis

During the treatment of chronic or acute elbow bursitis at home, it is possible to use anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Voltaren, Diclofenac. Antibacterial drugs, which are selected taking into account the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms, will also help.

For mild treatment diseases, it is possible to use gels and ointments that have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, it is worth remembering that they can only help if they are combined with the use of the drugs mentioned above.

Glucocorticoid preparations are used when the inflammatory process is pronounced. They are injected into the inflamed bag of the joint.

Do not forget that only a qualified doctor can prescribe medications. Trying to find your own medicines or with the help of a pharmacist can put you at risk for serious complications.

Physiological Therapy

After the acute stage of ulnar bursitis is overcome, physiotherapy is added to the system of medical procedures. The pain syndrome fades away already on the first procedures. The following physiological procedures can be useful for those suffering from bursitis:

• massage;
• magnetotherapy;
• laser therapy;
• mud treatment;
• paraffin heating;
• bischofite wraps;
• physiotherapy.

During the treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint at home, diet is recommended. A large amount of salt in food should be excluded, as well as the consumption of meat broths should be minimized, but boiled meat should be included in the diet, because this product will be useful during treatment. A daily intake of fruits and vegetables is also recommended.

Folk remedies

Sometimes people with bursitis of the elbow joint, in addition to specialized ointments and gels (Voltaren, Dimexide, Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Traumel C), use folk remedies.

Properly selected traditional medicine used at home can have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

For the proper effect, these procedures must be carried out regularly, their duration is several weeks.

Compress with propolis tincture:

1. 20 gr. propolis mixed with 1 glass of quality vodka.
2. Mix the resulting liquid, let it brew for 1 week.
3. After 7 days, the resulting product must be applied to gauze or bandage, applied to the affected area for 5-10 minutes.

Repeat the treatment daily for several weeks.

cabbage leaf compress. The method can be useful not only for bursitis, but also for arthritis:

1. The sheet must be washed, cut out the sinewy part.
2. Then it must be cut or beaten off until the juice appears.
3. After that, attach the sheet to the inflamed area, bandage it, warm it with a soft cloth. Cabbage leaf reduces pain and, as it were, “pulls out” inflammation.
4. After about 30 minutes, the sheet will become dry and hot, now you need to replace it with a fresh one.

This tool can be used constantly, because. it has no harm.

For acute ulnar bursitis decoction of burdock able to relieve inflammation.

Method of preparation and use:

1. 2 tbsp. boil spoons of finely chopped burdock root in 1 liter. water for 5 minutes.
2. The decoction should be infused for 10-15 minutes, then it is necessary to apply a compress to the focus of inflammation.
3. To achieve the best effect, you need to place the inflamed joint in heat: wrap it with a woolen scarf and let it warm up for an hour and a half.

Repeat these steps daily for a month.

Ointment from honey and aloe

With purulent bursitis of the elbow joint, heating is prohibited, so this ointment is ideal for treating this form of the disease.

1. To prepare the ointment, mix 3 tsp. tender pulp of aloe with 1 tbsp. l. liquid honey and 2 drops of tea tree ether.
2. Place half of the mass on gauze or bandage, apply to the inflamed area. Do not insulate or wrap the diseased joint.
3. After 50 minutes, you need to change the compress and keep the new one for the same amount.

The procedure should be repeated 20 more times or less, depending on the result. Ointment from honey and aloe promotes the healing of microcracks and wounds on the elbow, and also relieves swelling.

There are contraindications, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Timely detected disease, as well as proper treatment of ulnar bursitis will help preserve the health of the joint. able to cope with illness integrated approach to treatment, consisting of the use of medications, traditional medicine and physiotherapy. Bursitis of the elbow joint quite often becomes a chronic disease, accompanied by significant pain, so it is absolutely impossible to postpone treatment.

Surgery

Usually, the treatment of elbow bursitis involves only the use of medications. In the event of complications and the appearance of pus in the joint bag, the patient may need surgical intervention. The patient is drained of fluid and injected into the joint with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. Sometimes there is a need to remove the deformed bursa. All types of operations associated with bursitis are not complicated, and patients are soon able to return to their normal rhythm of life.

Prevention of bursitis

There are the following measures to prevent the development of bursitis:

• exact adherence to the regime of work and rest;
• proper distribution of physical activity;
• fast and high-quality treatment of infectious diseases;
• treatment of pathology at the initial stages is important to prevent the appearance of a purulent stage;
• avoid injury to areas of the body where synovial capsules are located;
• the use of protective equipment in case of a threat of injury;
• disinfect with hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic any injuries: scratches, cuts, abrasions, abrasions.

Bursitis is a fairly serious disease. If time does not pay attention to the symptoms bursitis of the elbow joint and not to engage in treatment, there is a risk of complications and severe forms of this disease.

Bursitis is a process of inflammation that develops in the bag of the joint. To understand the process, it should be said that around each joint there are several synovial bags that are filled with liquid contents. They are intended for depreciation (separation of one articular surface from another) and protection of the joints from traumatic damage.

Most often, the knee suffers from an injury, and the elbow joint is in second place in terms of the frequency of injuries. It has three bags, each of which contains a certain amount of clear fluid (interosseous, ulnar subcutaneous and interosseous ulnar). The inflammatory process in one of these bags is called bursitis.

What it is?

Bursitis of the elbow joint- inflammatory lesion of the synovial bag - bursa. Due to the proximity of the neurovascular bundle and a thin layer of fatty tissue, the joints of the elbows are vulnerable to various traumatic factors, reacting sharply to even the slightest damage.

Causes

Bursitis of the elbow joint can occur for a number of reasons, among which it is customary to single out the following:

1. In the first place, as a factor leading to the development of bursitis, is arthritis of any nature - psoriatic, or gouty. That is, against the background of acute inflammation in the cartilage itself or in the synovial bag, fluid begins to accumulate, which leads to the formation of bursitis.
2. It can also occur as a result of ingestion of an infection. Especially often this happens when the skin tissue directly next to the bursa has been damaged, and a certain microorganism or bacterium has got inside. As an infectious cause of bursitis, it can also serve when bones and soft tissues of the fingers are exposed to acute inflammation. Also, the infection can get into the synovial sac not from the outside, but “from the inside”, that is, it can be carried through the blood (hematogenous pathway) and through the lymph (lymphogenic pathway).
3. Bursitis can be the result of a microtrauma, but this is somewhat less common. The elbow is injured due to constantly repetitive monotonous movements, therefore this disease is unofficially called the "professional" illness of all those people whose activities are associated with the support of the elbow on a hard surface. These can be students, engravers, chess players, draftsmen, etc. In such people, the subcutaneous ulnar bursa most often becomes inflamed, and, for example, in tennis players, the interosseous ulna. Such a difference is associated with the peculiarities of the distribution of the load on the elbow, and hence the place of occurrence of microtraumas.
4. Sometimes bursitis occurs some time after a mechanical injury to the elbow. In the event that a person hits or falls on this part of the body. Extremely rarely, however, there is an idiopathic inflammation of the synovial bag, that is, one whose etiological causes remain unclear.

Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, are also among the risk factors leading to inflammation in the elbow joint. The cause of suppuration can also be a general weakening of the immune system, metabolic disorders, as well as taking steroid drugs.

Classification

Bursitis, like any inflammatory disease, can be acute, subacute or chronic. In addition, the specific type of bursitis depends on which of the bags is damaged. The quality of the fluid contained in the bursa in this disease is also taken into account.

In this regard, bursitis is distinguished:

• serous;
• hemorrhagic;
• purulent;
• fibrous;
• mixed.

If the disease is based on the introduction of coccal flora, then the process is considered non-specific. And with disorders associated with tuberculosis, gonorrhea or syphilis, we are talking about specific bursitis.

Symptoms and photos of elbow bursitis

Symptoms of acute serous-hemorrhagic or serous process:

• mild pain, swelling, redness, fever in the area of ​​inflammation.
• movements in the elbow are limited.
• possibly noticeable to the eye spherical protrusion, soft to the touch.
• the general condition, as a rule, does not suffer; only some patients have a low body temperature, accompanied by malaise and weakness.
• acute inflammation ends with recovery or becomes chronic.

Symptoms of a purulent type of disease:

• pain with purulent sharp, arching or twitching.
• the more acute the inflammation, the more intense the pain syndrome.
• the elbow is hot to the touch, edematous, the skin is overflowing with blood (hyperemic), palpation is marked by a sharp pain.
• movements are severely limited, regional lymph nodes are enlarged.
• symptoms of general intoxication appear: the temperature rises to 38–39 degrees, weakness, weakness are felt, sweating, headache, irritability appear.

Chronic bursitis lasts much longer than acute bursitis, manifesting itself with the following symptoms:

• moderate pain on movement
• discomfort in the elbow area
• movements in the articulation are preserved almost in full,
• the area of ​​inflammation looks like a dense formation.

The photo below shows how bursitis of the elbow joint manifests itself in an adult.

First aid

In the case of an acute non-purulent process, it is important to do the following:

• Apply a tight pressure bandage to the joint, which will not stop arterial circulation, to reduce tissue swelling;
• Form a fixing scarf (orthosis), which will support the arm in a physiological position.

With purulent bursitis, this should not be done: pus under pressure can enter the surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is usually easy to make on the basis of examination data from an orthopedic traumatologist. But to clarify the prevalence of the process and exclude complications, there are a number of methods of instrumental diagnostics:

• X-ray of the joint: allows you to establish the presence of an inflammatory process in the joint.
• Ultrasound of the joint: helps to clarify the size and localization of the inflamed bag, the amount of exudate in it
• MRI of the joint: allows you to diagnose bursitis of deep articular bags.

This disease should be diagnosed as early as possible in order to start adequate treatment in a timely manner.

Effects

Complications of elbow bursitis are much more difficult to treat than the disease itself. They arise due to the failure to provide timely medical care and bring the disease to severe forms. There is a kind of melting of the walls in the synovial cavity and the spread of the pathogenic mass to the adjacent areas.

The result is:

Treatment of elbow bursitis

In the case of acute or chronic bursitis, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as voltaren, ibuprofen, diclofenac) and antibacterial drugs are used at home. The latter are selected taking into account the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms.

With a mild course of the disease, a variety of gels and ointments with an anti-inflammatory effect have a good effect, but they help only in conjunction with the oral administration of the drugs described above. For the treatment of a pronounced inflammatory process that is difficult to treat, glucocorticoid preparations are used. They are introduced into the cavity of the inflamed joint bag.

Please note that only a qualified doctor has the right to prescribe all medicines, do not try to do it yourself or even with the help of a pharmacist, as this can be dangerous to your health!

Physiological Therapy

After the acute period of bursitis has passed, physiotherapy is added to the complex of medical procedures. Painful symptoms subside in the first procedures. Physiological procedures are well tolerated by patients, such as:

1. Massage;
2. laser therapy;
3. Paraffin heating;
4. Mud treatment;
5. Magnetotherapy;
6. Bischofite wraps;
7. Physiotherapy.

Treatment of bursitis of the elbow joint at home is recommended to be carried out in compliance with a certain diet. It is recommended to limit the use of table salt in food and reduce the consumption of meat broths, however, boiled meat is useful. It is advisable to eat fruits and vegetables according to the diet menu.

Folk remedies

Some patients, in addition to ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory action (Voltaren, Indomethacin, Traumeel C, Dimexide, Diclofenac) use alternative recipes for elbow bursitis. Comprehensive treatment at home lasts several weeks, requires regular use of home formulations.

• Method of application: 20 g of propolis per 1 glass of high-quality vodka. The resulting liquid must be mixed and allowed to stand for 1 week. After the mixture is applied to a clean gauze or bandage and applied to the inflamed area for 5-10 minutes. To achieve the effect, it is necessary to apply a compress every day for several weeks.
• Cabbage leaf compress. This method is effective not only for bursitis, but also for arthritis. Wash the sheet, remove the sinewy part, incise or beat off until the juice appears, attach to the sore spot, bandage, warm with a soft cloth. Cabbage perfectly "pulls out" inflammation, reduces pain. As soon as the leaf dries, becomes hot (after about half an hour), replace the compress with a fresh one. Keep the cabbage on your elbow longer: the product is harmless.
• A decoction of burdock helps relieve joint inflammation, especially in acute bursitis. How to use: you need 2 tbsp. tablespoons chopped burdock root per 1 liter. boil water for about 5 minutes. Then let the broth brew for 10-15 minutes and apply a compress to the epicenter of inflammation. For complete warming up, it is recommended to warm the compress with a woolen scarf from above and let the joint warm up for 1.5 hours. Course of treatment: once a day for a month.
• Ointment from honey and aloe. An excellent tool for removing puffiness, healing microcracks and wounds on the elbow. Take 3 des. l. tender pulp, add 1 tbsp. l. liquid honey, 2 drops of tea tree ether. Mix the components thoroughly, put half the mass on gauze or bandage, fix it on the inflamed area. Wrapping up the problem area is not worth it. Aloe ointment with honey is suitable for the treatment of purulent bursitis of the elbow joint, while heating is prohibited. Keep the mixture for 50 minutes, change the compress, wait the same amount. Course - 20 procedures (or less, depending on the result).

Timely diagnosis and proper treatment of bursitis will keep the joints healthy. An integrated approach to the treatment of the inflammatory process with the use of medicines, folk remedies, physiotherapy will save the patient from painful symptoms. Do not postpone the treatment of bursitis "on the back burner": the disease often goes into a chronic stage, attacks cause significant discomfort.

Surgery

When complications of the disease develop and pus appears in the joint bag, an operation becomes relevant, which is quite simple, consists in pumping out fluid, introducing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs into the joint.

Usually, bursitis is treated with drugs, but if complications occur, surgery is required.

Operations are also performed to remove the damaged bursa. They are very simple and highly effective. Patients soon return to their normal lives.

Prevention of bursitis

Preventive measures will help to avoid the risk of developing pathology:

• strict adherence to the regime of work and rest;
• dosing of physical activity;
• immediate competent treatment of infectious diseases;
• timely initiation of treatment in order to prevent the transition of the inflammatory process to the purulent phase;
• prevention of traumatic influence on the area of ​​location of synovial capsules;
• use of protective equipment if there is a potential threat of injury;
• scuffs, scratches, cuts, abrasions must be treated with hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic.

Bursitis of the elbow joint is a dangerous disease. The disease should not be left to chance, as complications can be deplorable. You can not bring the disease to severe forms.