Don’t Forget Your Elbows: Caring for the Joint We Lean On

Our elbows don’t always get much attention—until something goes wrong. For the past three months (since May 2025), I’ve been dealing with a swollen bursa in my elbow, and I still don’t know what caused it. The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the bone and reduces friction. When it swells, it’s called bursitis—and let me tell you, it’s not fun (or pretty, lol).

My Journey with Elbow Bursitis

I started by trying what most of us would: compression daily, icing, and being mindful not to put pressure on it. Still, the swelling persisted.

This week I saw an orthopedist. After X-rays showed no sign of injury, she drained the fluid (thankfully, no infection was found!) and injected cortisone. Because I’m a Type 1 diabetic, she gave me only half the usual dose to reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes.

For now, I’m wearing compression around the clock for three weeks. She explained that bursae sometimes fill back up, and if that happens, we’ll drain it again. So far, things look good—and I’ve learned a lot from the experience.

Lessons Learned

• Protect your elbows. Avoid leaning on hard surfaces or putting direct pressure on them.

• Compression helps. If swelling starts, light compression can keep things from getting worse.

• Early care matters. Ice, rest, and mindful habits can go a long way in calming inflammation.

• Partner with your healthcare provider. Each case is different. Getting an evaluation ruled out injury and infection for me, which gave peace of mind.

Elbow Health Tips for Everyone

Even if you’ve never had bursitis, caring for your elbows is part of caring for your mobility:

• Stretch and strengthen surrounding muscles to support your joints.

• Stay mindful of repetitive movements (sports, typing, lifting).

• Use padding if your work or hobbies require leaning on your elbows.

• Seek care early—what feels minor can linger if ignored.

I’ll be much more mindful of elbow health from now on, and maybe my story can save someone else from letting swelling sneak up on them. Sometimes the smallest joints teach us the biggest lessons.

✨ Honey Note: Our elbows carry more than we realize—weight, balance, even the pressure of our habits. Take care of them gently, and they’ll keep bending with grace right along with you.

🐝🍯 Honey