Home care for elbow bursitis includes:

• Apply a cold compress:
• Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 4 hours, for the first few days.
• Apply warm compresses:
• After a few days of cold compresses.
• Elevate your arm to control swelling:
• Above your heart if possible
• Rest the arm:
• Avoid activities that cause pain.
• Apply an elastic wrap to the elbow.
• Re-wrap the joint every 6 hours.
• Perform elbow stretching exercises.
• After the pain has resolved
• Acetaminophen for pain and inflammation
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
• Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
• Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Take prescribed medications as directed:
• Don't skip doses of your medication. This makes them less effective.
• Be aware of the common side effects that may be caused by your medication.

Medications commonly used to control pain and fever in adults with elbow bursitis include:

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Ketoprofen

• Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
• Adult dosing is 2 regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours or 2 extra-strength (500 mg) every 6 hours.
• Maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
• Avoid this drug if you have alcoholism, liver disease or an allergy to the drug. See the package instructions.
• Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and many others.

• Aspirin decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is two regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours with food.
• There are numerous products that contain aspirin.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours.
• Do not exceed 1,200 mg per day without a doctor's recommendation.
• Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 200 or 220 mg twice a day with food.
• Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
• Its brand name is Aleve.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Ketoprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours with food.
• Do not exceed 75 mg per day.
• Its brand name is Orudis KT.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Avoid using alcohol when taking any of these medications.
• Do not mix prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• NSAIDS can interact with other blood thinners, such as Coumadin, and cause bleeding complications.
• Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you have a history of:
• Allergy to aspirin
• Asthma
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Esophageal ulcers
• Bleeding problems
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Notify your doctor if you have elbow bursitis and any of the following:

• Persistent elbow pain for more than 1 week
• Fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 C)
• Worsening elbow pain
• Worsening elbow redness and pain
• Worsening elbow swelling

Last Updated: Feb 15, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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