Fluid in the elbow joint: causes, symptoms, and treatment characteristics

Bursitis of the elbow joint is an inflammatory process of the synovial bag. This is due to the fact that the amount of fluid in the elbow joint increases, its composition changes. Articular fluid is required to ensure the normal functioning of the joint, which helps to prevent damage to rubbing surfaces.

What is bursitis?

The daily physical exertion with which the elbow joint is encountered leads to a variety of diseases. Among the most common problems can be noted bursitis, which implies the accumulation of fluid in the elbow joint and the subsequent occurrence of the inflammatory process. As a result, the hand stops functioning normally and the quality of human life deteriorates sharply.

The composition of the fluid in the elbow joint during the course of inflammation can be different, in particular:

• Purulent;
• Serous;
• fibrous;
• hemorrhagic.

Hemorrhagic contains impurities of blood, purulent - many leukocytes, as well as bacteria. The least dangerous is the serous composition. This disease can occur completely in everyone, regardless of his age and sex.

Causes

If the liquid in the elbow joint accumulated, the reasons for this may be different. There are several factors that lead to such a disease, among which they need to be distinguished such as:

• Mechanical injury of the elbow;
• arthritis;
• Microtrauma;
• Penetration of infection.

After a bruise, the fluid in the elbow joint begins to accumulate and become inflamed after a while. One of the most common causes of bursitis is arthritis.

In addition, often this problem arises from the constant movement of the elbow, resulting in micro-trauma. Often this disease refers to the professional illness of chess players, draftsmen, engravers and those whose work is associated with a constant reliance on the elbow.

If there are lesions of the skin next to the synovial bag, an infection that provokes inflammation can enter the bursa. The main factors in the onset of this disease include metabolic disorders, prolonged stress, impaired immunity, and diabetes mellitus.

Types of bursitis

Bursitis of the elbow joint has several different forms and species, each of which is characterized by the intensity of painful manifestations, as well as the consequences. One can distinguish such forms of pathological fluid formation in the elbow joint as:

• Chronic;
• Acute;
• Recurrent.

The chronic form is characterized by the appearance of minor painful sensations, which continue for a long time. At the same time there is absolutely no restriction of mobility of the elbow and there is no tumor, however, a small compaction is felt during the examination.

In acute form, severe pain is observed, especially during movement. Often, there are also additional symptoms: the temperature rises, general intoxication of the organism is observed, which provokes a disruption in the functioning of not only the elbow joint itself, but also many internal organs.

A recurrent form is observed if the integrity of the affected area has been repeatedly violated or infection has occurred. In the walls of the bag, even after recovery, there is a liquid with pathogens.

Symptoms

With the accumulation of fluid in the elbow joint, the first symptoms are severe swelling and painful sensations. There is also some restriction of joint mobility. This disease can occur in an acute and chronic form, each of which is characterized by certain symptoms.

At an acute stage there are strong painful sensations amplifying at movement, and also the tumor grows very quickly. In this case, the ailment can be diagnosed only by external signs, since the tumor has significant dimensions. When probing, severe pain may occur, and the affected area becomes soft and warm. In addition, the temperature may rise and malaise may occur.

When the disease occurs in a chronic form, the sensations are not very pronounced, but they are observed for a long time. Tumor is very difficult to feel, but noticeably a small seal. The movements of the hand are not limited to this.

Conducting diagnostics

With discomfort in the area of the elbow joint, the emergence of tenderness and swelling should consult an orthopedic doctor. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor conducts:

• Examination of the patient;
• Roentgenogram;
• Ultrasound diagnostics;
• Puncture of the joint fluid.

Based on the survey, the doctor determines the presence of the disease, the nature of its course and selects the most appropriate method of treatment.

Features of treatment

With the accumulation and inflammation of fluid in the elbow joint treatment is selected strictly individually, taking into account the peculiarity of the course of the disease. Acute bursitis is treated by an orthopedist or traumatologist, using conservative techniques, and chronic - a surgeon.

When treating acute inflammation, it is shown:

• Imposing a tight bandage to limit movements;
• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Application of medicinal ointments;
• Applying cold.

With very severe inflammation, the administration of corticosteroids to bursa is indicated. In the presence of purulent inflammation treatment is supplemented with antibacterial drugs. The curative program also includes physiotherapy procedures. If the conservative treatment is ineffective and the disease is transferred to a neglected stage, surgical intervention is indicated.

Treatment with folk remedies

With abnormal accumulation of fluid in the elbow joint, treatment with folk techniques can bring very good results, however, they should be used together with antibacterial therapy. Preliminary it is necessary to consult with the doctor. He will be able to recommend traditional medicine that will go well with conservative medicine.

At home, compresses and herbal medicinal herbs are used. The simplest compress is potato. To do this, the raw potatoes must be applied to the injured elbow. A very good tool is a plant of golden mustard, compresses from which help to fight a variety of diseases. For compresses use a decoction or infusion of this plant.

With the accumulation and inflammation of fluid in the elbow joint, treatment with folk remedies can give a very good result, but it is necessary to select the right medicinal plants and observe all the rules for their application. For anesthesia, it is recommended to apply frozen Kalanchoe sheets, after wrapping them with a clean cloth to prevent skin damage.

A good folk remedy is considered to be the root of burdock, as it helps to cope with absolutely any inflammations. To make a compress, you need to pour the chopped root with steep boiling water and insist for 20 minutes. Then, moisten with gauze and apply to the elbow.

General recommendations

In the presence of bursitis, it is very important to restrict movement, as they can lead to deterioration. It is also necessary to carefully apply the dressings, since if they are very tight, then it can provoke damage to the elbow. With bursitis, you need to limit consumption or exclude from your diet products such as:

• Alcoholic beverages;
• Fast food;
• Fatty, fried and salty foods;
• carbonated drinks;
• Products with the content of food additives.

These products are very harmful in the presence of pathologies of the kidneys, bone and joint diseases.

Prevention

It is very important to timely prevent the occurrence of bursitis and the occurrence of relapses in the event of its chronic course. Such preventive measures include:

• Prevention of injuries and other injuries;
• The use of special protection in the practice of contact sports;
• Prevention of arthritis.

If you have the first signs of illness, you should not ignore them, you should immediately contact the doctor for a survey and follow-up treatment.