Once there is fluid on the elbows, it is a condition called as elbow bursitis. The bursa is described as a lubricated sac found in between the tip or bend of the elbow and overlying skin. It is responsible for reducing the friction between the bones and skin, tendons or muscles during movement. Infection or injury can cause the bursa to become inflamed, irritated and filled with pus or fluid, resulting to various symptoms that can be bothersome to the individual.
Inflammation
Swelling is one of the primary symptoms of fluid on the elbows. Infection or acute or lingering irritation can cause the fluid in the elbows to increase within the bursa sac. Once this occurs, it can lead to swelling on the rear part of the elbow.
Due to the folds of loose skin on the rear of the elbow, the swelling is not evident for some time. As the fluid starts to accumulate, the inflammation increases and appears as a “goose egg” over the tip of the elbow bone. In some cases, the bursa can become enlarged that is limits full movement of the elbow while the individual engages in various activities. Chronic inflammation due to recurrent injury or frequent infections can lead to the stiffening of the folds of tissue in the bursa. The thickened tissue can sometimes be felt under the skin or feel similar to nodules or small-sized lumps or a feeling of an object floating around the area.
Pain and tenderness
Some individuals might end up with inflammation on the rear of the elbow that does not cause any pain. On the other hand, others might end up with slight to severe pain at the elbow tip. It is important to note that the elbow can become tender that makes it hard to put it down on a table or other surface. Retracting or extending the elbow can be painful.
Infection
The infection triggered by any form of trauma to the elbow or caused by a superficial skin infection that extends down the olecranon bursa can result to serious symptoms that can affect the entire body.
An abscess can form on the elbow and the bursa is filled with pus instead of fluid. The area surrounding the elbow can turn red, warm, streaked and tender to the touch. Once the body tries to fight off the infection, the individual can also end up with fever and chills. If not treated right away, the abscess will start to drain pus. In some cases, the infection can also spread to other parts of the arm or body, thus those who have any signs of infection must seek treatment to avoid any serious complications from developing.