Student’s elbow is also known as the olecranon bursitis. This condition causes swelling and inflammation of the bursa which function in protecting the end of the ulna bone found at the back of the elbow. This can be caused by frequent leaning on the elbows while studying and common on students. In addition, traumatic injury or repetitive blows caused to this area will result to swelling and pain at the posterior side of the joint.
Severe elbow bursitis can cause swelling of the olecranon from 6-7 cm long and 2.5 cm wide and looks like a tiny egg or a golf ball under the skin. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis and pseudogout can also cause inflammation of the olecranon bursa of the elbow.
Symptoms of student’s elbow
- At first, limited movement of the elbow
- Redness and warmth of the skin
- Elbow pain especially when exercising and at rest.
- Swelling on the posterior area of the elbow
- Elbow joint pain and spread to the rest of the arm
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest especially the affected area. Avoid activities that cause further irritation on the area and delay the healing.
- Apply ice on the area to reduce the swelling and the pain. Cover the ice pack using a towel or a cloth before applying on the site for at least 10-20 minutes every few hours. Another alternative is using frozen vegetables such as peas or corn is also good for the condition.
- Compress the area using an ACE elastic bandage wrapped around the affected area to reduce the swelling. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent problems with circulation and worsen the condition. If the area under the wrap turns violet or blue loosen the wrap.
- Elevate the affected elbow above the level of the heart to lessen flow of blood to the area and lessen the inflammation. Raise the area in couple of pillows to keep it elevated.
- Wear a sling to immobilize the affected area to prevent unnecessary movement, support the area and lessen the pain. An elbow pad can be placed on the elbow to lessen the pain and makes it easy to put the affected elbow on hard surfaces.
- Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to relieve of the inflammation and the pain.
- Prescribed steroid injections to lessen the pain and the symptoms.
- Perform rehabilitation exercises with the help of the physical therapist for flexibility, strength and restore range of movement of the affected elbow.
Tips
- Proper warm up or stretching and strengthening of muscles before performing physical activities.
- Take frequent breaks when performing repetitive activities.
- Avoid leaning on the elbows
FACT CHECK
https://patient.info/health/olecranon-bursitis-students-elbow
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olecranon_bursitis
https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19531304/bursitis-students-elbow/