Bursae are small sacs of fluid found throughout the body. These bursae produce synovial fluid and reduce friction between muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones as they move over each other. Bursae are located at strategic points, typically where there are higher points of stress. If a bursa is injured or irritated, it can become inflamed and painful, a condition referred to as bursitis.
 
One bursa that can be affected is the olecranon bursa, which sits just over the hard bony process at the back of the elbow. Olecranon bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa at this point and is a common condition, particularly in men between the ages of 30-60, though anyone can be affected.

​What causes it?
 
Olecranon bursitis has a few possible causes including trauma, overuse and infection. A sharp blow to the elbow, through a fall or hit, might damage the bursa leading to bursitis. In other cases, the bursa can be infected by bacteria, which enter the body through a small skin tear. Bursitis can also develop slowly through friction of the nearby muscles that cause the bursa to become irritated and inflamed.
 
What are the symptoms?
 
The hallmark of this condition is a painful, red, swollen area at the back of the elbow. Typically pain is worst when resting on the tip of the elbow or with elbow movements, particularly when bending or straightening the elbow fully. The pain may last a few months and not go away on its own. The pain can build up gradually, or come on suddenly, depending on the cause. Bursitis caused by infection (septic bursitis) may also be associated with general feelings of illness such as fatigue, fever and body aches.
 
What is the treatment?
 
As there are many different causes of this condition, accurate diagnosis is essential. Your physiotherapist is able to distinguish between olecranon bursitis and similar conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Septic bursitis will need to be treated by a medical professional who will determine the best course of action, likely including antibiotics. All types of bursitis can be managed initially with a RICE protocol to reduce pain and swelling (Rest, ice, compression and elevation). Mechanical causes of bursitis can require more in depth identification of the factors that may have led to the development of this condition.
 
Your physio is able to address these factors and possibly provide taping support to unload the bursa along with manual therapy and an exercise program. If this is unsuccessful, cortisone injections are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases where the pain persists despite all other attempts at treatment, the bursa can be surgically removed in a procedure called a bursectomy. Once the pain has subsided your physiotherapist is also able to help prevent any further recurrence. 

For most of us, the hours we spend sleeping are simply a time for rest and recovery. However, you might be surprised to learn that your sleeping position can have a significant impact on your body, particularly if you already have an injury. Here are some tips to help to stay pain free overnight.

Back pain tips:
 
For sufferers of back pain, finding a comfortable position at night can be difficult. The natural curves of the spine need to be maintained and supported throughout the night. Ideally, your body should be held in a position of minimal stress while sleeping. This means that all your joints and muscles are resting in a neutral position
 
A mattress that is too soft might feel comfortable to begin with, but over time will let you sink into it too much, meaning the curve of the lower spine will be lost. Waking up with a stiff or sore back could be a sign that you are using the wrong mattress. A mattress that is too firm can also mean your spine is held in a flattened position, which is both uncomfortable during the night and when you wake up.

For many people, sleeping on their side keeps their spine in a more natural alignment than sleeping on their back, especially if they put a pillow between your knees. If you do sleep on your back, placing a pillow under your knees can help to maintain your lumbar spinal curve throughout the night. This can also help to reduce hip and knee pain.
 
Neck pain tips:
 
The neck is often the most vulnerable part of the body if your sleeping setup is not ideal. Side sleepers may let their neck fall excessively to the side with a pillow that is too low or have their neck elevated too much by having their pillows too high.
 
If you find yourself putting your arm under your pillow while you sleep, it is likely that your pillow is too low. Having your shoulder in this position overnight can put unnecessary stress on the structures around the shoulder joint and should be avoided if possible. Stomach sleeping can also put additional pressure on your neck as it is turned to the side for long periods.
 
Hip pain tip:
 
Side sleepers often spend their nights with one leg crossed over their body. This can place extra pressure on the structures on the side of the hip, such as tendons and bursa and can impact the health of these tissues as the compression reduces the blood flow to the area. Placing a pillow under your knee while sleeping on your side in this position can help to maintain a neutral alignment of your hip.
 
Speak to your physiotherapist for more advice on how to improve your sleeping posture and find out if your sleeping setup is right for you.

What is it?
Bursae are small sacs of fluid found throughout the body. These bursae produce synovial fluid and act to reduce friction between muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones as they move over each other. Bursae are located at strategic points, typically where there are higher points of stress. If a bursa is injured or irritated, it can become inflamed, painful, red and swollen. This condition is referred to as bursitis.
 
One bursa that is commonly affected is the olecranon bursa, which sits just over the hard bony process at the back of the elbow. Olecranon bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa at this point and is a common condition, particularly in men between the ages of 30-60.

What causes it?
Olecranon bursitis has a few different causes including trauma, overuse and infection. A sharp blow to the elbow, through a fall or hit, might damage the bursa leading to bursitis. In other cases, the bursa can be infected by bacteria, which enter the body through a small skin tear.
 
Bursitis can also develop slowly through friction of the nearby muscles that cause the bursa to become irritated and inflamed.
 
What are the symptoms?
The hallmark of this condition is a painful, red, swollen elbow. Typically pain is worst when resting on the tip of the elbow and/or with elbow movements, particularly when bending or straightening the elbow fully. The pain often lasts a few months and may not go away on its own. The pain may build up gradually, or come on suddenly, depending on the cause. Bursitis caused by infection (septic bursitis) may also be associated with general feelings of illness such as fatigue, fever and body aches.
 
What is the treatment?
As there are many different causes of this condition, accurate diagnosis is essential. Your physiotherapist is able to distinguish between olecranon bursitis and similar conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Septic bursitis will need to be treated by a medical professional who will determine the best course of action.

All types of bursitis can be managed initially with a RICE protocol to reduce pain and swelling (Rest, ice, compression and elevation).  Mechanical causes of bursitis can require more in-depth identification of the factors that may have led to the development of this condition.

Common contributing factors are throwing technique, muscle tightness and/or weakness and training frequency. Your physiotherapist is able to address these factors and possibly provide taping support to unload the bursa,  along with manual therapy and an exercise program.

In most cases, conservative or non-surgical treatment is attempted as the first line of treatment. If this is unsuccessful, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases where the pain persists despite all other attempts at treatment, the bursa can be surgically removed in a procedure called a bursectomy. Once the pain has subsided your physiotherapist is also able to help prevent any further recurrence.