Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Unfortunately elbow effusions rarely pull back spontaneously unless this is caused by trauma. You can try to treat it at home by cold compresses, rest and arm elevation, but even if this is helpful it usually relapses.

It doesn't need to be painful, but it can be unpleasant and limit arm moves so it would be optimal if you could visit surgeon and do needle aspiration with or without steroid injection. Also fluid can be sent to analysis to verify if there is infectious, autoimmune, degenerative or just traumatic cause of elbow edema.
After this some elastic compress should be placed around the elbow. Even after drainage there is significant recurrence rate but this is most efficient treatment.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions I ll be glad to help.

Regards

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