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Suggest Treatment For Lump On Arm At Elbow Crease

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Posted on Thu, 4 Sep 2014
Question: Hi have a lump on my arm at elbow crease. It swells at times through day and hurts when touched
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
explained..

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

Elbow lumps may result from inflammation (swelling), poor healing of a broken bone, or a skin growth, such as a cyst or tumor. Inflammation of the elbow can result from tendinitis, bursitis, sports injury, sprains, strains, arthritis, or infections within the joint. Growths can be either benign or cancerous in nature.

Treatment for elbow lump is dependent on the cause of the lump. If the elbow lump causes no discomfort, no treatment may be necessary. In cases of inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications or steroids may help improve the condition. Pain medication like ibuprofen may help to alleviate any pain that you may experience along with elbow lump. Elbow lumps that arise due to tumors or serious causes may require surgery.

your specific case seems to fit Olecranon bursitis, which affects the olecranon bursa at the back of the elbow, is sometimes called Popeye elbow. This is because the bump that develops at the back of the elbow looks like the cartoon character Popeye's elbow.

Your doctor can likely diagnose olecranon bursitis from a medical history and physical exam. If the swelling is the result of an injury, X-rays may be necessary to determine whether the elbow is fractured.

If your doctor is concerned about an infection in your elbow, he or she may drain fluid from the elbow with a needle and have the fluid tested by a lab.

Treatment for sudden (acute) bursitis may include drainage of excess fluid in the sac with a needle, followed by injections of medicines into the sac to decrease inflammation and promote healing.

Treatment for ongoing (chronic) bursitis focuses on teaching you to avoid leaning on your elbows, protecting your elbows during sports activities with elbow pads, and using anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotic medicines may be needed to treat infection, and surgery may be needed to drain or remove (excise) the bursa.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Lump On Arm At Elbow Crease

Brief Answer: explained.. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic Elbow lumps may result from inflammation (swelling), poor healing of a broken bone, or a skin growth, such as a cyst or tumor. Inflammation of the elbow can result from tendinitis, bursitis, sports injury, sprains, strains, arthritis, or infections within the joint. Growths can be either benign or cancerous in nature. Treatment for elbow lump is dependent on the cause of the lump. If the elbow lump causes no discomfort, no treatment may be necessary. In cases of inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications or steroids may help improve the condition. Pain medication like ibuprofen may help to alleviate any pain that you may experience along with elbow lump. Elbow lumps that arise due to tumors or serious causes may require surgery. your specific case seems to fit Olecranon bursitis, which affects the olecranon bursa at the back of the elbow, is sometimes called Popeye elbow. This is because the bump that develops at the back of the elbow looks like the cartoon character Popeye's elbow. Your doctor can likely diagnose olecranon bursitis from a medical history and physical exam. If the swelling is the result of an injury, X-rays may be necessary to determine whether the elbow is fractured. If your doctor is concerned about an infection in your elbow, he or she may drain fluid from the elbow with a needle and have the fluid tested by a lab. Treatment for sudden (acute) bursitis may include drainage of excess fluid in the sac with a needle, followed by injections of medicines into the sac to decrease inflammation and promote healing. Treatment for ongoing (chronic) bursitis focuses on teaching you to avoid leaning on your elbows, protecting your elbows during sports activities with elbow pads, and using anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotic medicines may be needed to treat infection, and surgery may be needed to drain or remove (excise) the bursa.