Between the olecranon (the bone at the back of your elbow) and your skin lies fluid-filled sacs called bursae that facilitate skin moving freely over this pointy bone. Normally, your elbow’s bursae are flat, until they become inflamed or irritated by trauma, prolonged pressure (leaning on your elbow for extended periods) or infections caused by skin wounds that allow bacteria to infect bursae. In addition, gout is a medical condition commonly associated with bursitis.

Mild Symptoms: If your symptoms are mild and you can manage them with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, you might want to wait a few days to see if the condition improves. If it does, you may not need an immediate appointment.

Moderate Symptoms: If your symptoms are moderate and interfering with your daily activities, consider scheduling an appointment within a week or two. Waiting too long could lead to a worsening of the condition.

Severe Symptoms: If you're experiencing severe pain, significant swelling, or if the bursitis is affecting your mobility, it's advisable to seek medical attention promptly. In such cases, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible, and if necessary, consider going to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room.

Recurrent or Chronic Bursitis: If you've had bursitis before or if your symptoms are chronic, it's important to see a healthcare provider to address the underlying causes and develop a long-term management plan.

Ultimately, the timing of your appointment should be based on your individual circumstances and the severity of your symptoms, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Schedule an appointment with an iOrtho orthopedic specialist today.