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Elbow Injuries
There is a soft lump at the tip of my elbow. Does olecranon bursitis require fluid aspiration?
Author: Dr. Jiwu Chen
Doctor’s answer
Not necessarily. If there are no signs of infection, avoid pressure on the elbow, use padding, and modify activities. If there is significant redness, warmth, pain, or fever, infection should be ruled out, and a doctor may aspirate fluid for testing and prescribe antibiotics. Recurrent or stubborn cases may require further intervention or surgery.
References and sources
This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.