Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
ELBOW BURSITIS TREATMENT IN Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove & Elk Grove Village
Chicago's Premier Elbow Bursitis Treatment
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty focus on hand, wrist and elbow conditions, including elbow bursitis. A swollen, tender bump at the point of the elbow can make leaning on a desk, resting your arm or bending the elbow uncomfortable, and it sometimes comes back after it settles. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to find the cause, relieve the swelling and pain, and keep it from returning, with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether the swelling appeared after a bump to the elbow or has built up gradually, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation, including checking for signs of infection, and a plan matched to your symptoms. As part of his broader elbow care(opens in a new tab), he starts with non-surgical treatment, including draining excess fluid when needed, and offers surgery to remove the inflamed bursa for bursitis that keeps coming back.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the orthopedic doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Elbow Swelling, Tenderness & Pain When Leaning
Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled cushion that lets the skin and tissues glide over the bony point of the elbow. Elbow bursitis happens when that bursa becomes irritated or inflamed and fills with extra fluid. Common signs include:
- Swelling at the point of the elbow: A soft, rounded lump over the tip of the elbow, sometimes described as a “goose egg.”
- It can appear suddenly after a blow or fall, or grow slowly over days to weeks from repeated pressure.
- Tenderness and pain: Soreness when you lean on the elbow, press on the swelling or bump it against something.
- Mostly normal elbow motion: The elbow often still bends and straightens fairly well, which helps tell bursitis apart from problems inside the joint.
- Swelling that keeps returning: A bump that goes down and then refills, especially with ongoing pressure on the elbow.
- Warning signs of infection: Redness, warmth, increasing pain, a break in the skin or a fever.
- An infected bursa needs prompt medical care, so do not wait if you notice these signs along with swelling.
REST, FLUID DRAINAGE & BURSECTOMY WHEN NEEDED
Elbow Bursitis Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on what caused the bursitis, how long it has been present, and whether there are signs of infection. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Rest, avoiding pressure on the elbow, protective padding, ice, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medication. These measures allow many cases of bursitis to settle on their own.
- Aspiration: Using a needle to drain excess fluid from the bursa to relieve swelling and pressure. Fluid can sometimes return, and the fluid may be checked if infection is a concern.
- Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the upper extremity, with the goal of reducing recovery time. When bursitis keeps coming back or does not respond to other care, bursectomy, surgery to remove the inflamed bursa, may be recommended.
- Preparing for Surgery & Procedure(opens in a new tab): If you and Dr. Yaffe decide on a procedure, this guide explains how to get ready so you know what to expect.
Surgery is considered when bursitis keeps returning despite other treatment, remains painful, or limits what you need to do each day. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes elbow bursitis?
Elbow bursitis most often follows a direct blow to the elbow or repeated pressure from leaning on it, such as at a desk or when kneeling and resting on the elbows. It can also be linked to inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, or to infection. Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand what is behind their swelling.
How is elbow bursitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam of the elbow, including checking the swelling, motion and any redness or warmth. X-rays may be used to rule out a fracture or bone spur, and fluid drained from the bursa may be checked if infection is possible. This helps Dr. Yaffe recommend the right treatment.
Can elbow bursitis go away without surgery?
Often, yes. Resting the elbow, avoiding pressure, protective padding, ice, bracing and anti-inflammatory medication let many cases settle on their own. If swelling persists or keeps returning, Dr. Yaffe may recommend draining the fluid, and surgery is discussed only if other treatment does not work.
How can I tell if my elbow bursitis is infected?
Signs of infection include redness, warmth, increasing pain, a break in the skin over the swelling, or a fever. An infected bursa needs prompt medical care, so seek an evaluation right away if you notice these signs. Dr. Yaffe checks for infection as part of evaluating elbow swelling.
When is aspiration used for elbow bursitis?
Aspiration drains excess fluid from the bursa with a needle to relieve swelling and pressure, and it is used for bursitis that is large, uncomfortable or not settling with rest and protection. The fluid can sometimes return, and the fluid may be checked if infection is a concern. Dr. Yaffe will explain whether aspiration makes sense for you.
When is bursectomy needed and how does it work?
A bursectomy is a surgery to remove the inflamed bursa, and it is considered when bursitis keeps coming back, stays painful or does not respond to other treatment. Dr. Yaffe uses minimally invasive surgery(opens in a new tab) techniques developed for the upper extremity, with the goal of reducing recovery time. He reviews the expected benefits and risks with you so you can make an informed decision, and results vary by patient.
What can I expect during my recovery from elbow bursitis treatment?
Recovery depends on the treatment you receive. After aspiration, many patients return to light activity quickly, while after a bursectomy Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for wound care, protecting the elbow and returning to your usual activities. Avoiding pressure on the elbow while it heals can help keep bursitis from returning. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best orthopedic specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note when the swelling started and whether it has changed.
Get Your Elbow Swelling Evaluated by an Orthopedic Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.