Pain Treatments
Elbow Bursa Injection
Bursitis is a term that is used to describe when the bursa, which is a small fluid filled sac, is inflamed. The bursa functions as a cushion to protect tendons and muscles from sitting directly on top of a bony structure. Excessive stress and strain can of the tendons and muscles can contribute to the inflammation process and associated pain. Often times, the best solution is to inject medication directly into the bursa to alleviate the discomfort.
How is an elbow bursa injection performed?
The doctor will numb the back of your arm at the elbow with medication. Then, guided by a palpation or an ultrasound, he will:
Insert a thin needle into the bursa using sterile technique
Inject an anesthetic (for short term pain relief) and steroid or platelet rich plasma (for longer term relief)
The medicines then spread inside the bursa, thereby hopefully reducing inflammation and pain. Usually, the procedure takes less than 15 minutes and you can go home the same day.
How effective is a bursa injection?
What are the risks?
What happens after the procedure?
