Elbow bursitis may be caused by trauma such as a fall onto the elbow, pressure over a long period of time, infection, or medical conditions. If it is caused by an infection, your doctor can evaluate it and give you antibiotics.
To protect the elbow while it heals, you can wear elbow pads and change your activities or how you do activities. To reduce swelling and relieve pain, you may take over-the-counter medications. For some people, steroid injections into the bursa are helpful.