Experiencing Elbow Septic Bursitis
Age 37, male, non-smoker, consumes alcohol moderately (3-4 drinks weekly), generally healthy and not diabetic. A fortnight ago, I visited urgent care due to a noticeable, swollen, and reddening patch on the back of my elbow. After an examination, I was prescribed a course of doxycycline for seven days and received a diagnosis of "elbow bursitis and cellulitis." Now, two weeks later, the redness has subsided, yet there remains a minor amount of swelling, and I experience difficulty applying pressure to the elbow. My arm retains its full range of motion, making it possible for me to lift weights without issue. However, I am puzzled by the lingering discomfort in my elbow, even after completing the antibiotic treatment. Should I return to urgent care for further evaluation? Would it be more appropriate to consult my primary care physician or an orthopedist? Is this level of discomfort typical during the healing process?
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 9:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some residual symptoms after being treated for elbow bursitis and cellulitis. While it's good to hear that the redness has subsided, lingering swelling and discomfort can occur as part of the healing process, but it’s essential to keep monitoring your symptoms and ensure there are no complications.
Explanation:
- Elbow bursitis can take time to heal even after an appropriate course of antibiotics. Inflammation may persist for several weeks, contributing to discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the joint. It’s also common to have some swelling as the body continues to recover.
- However, since you still have discomfort and swelling after completing your antibiotics, it's essential to be cautious. While it may be normal for some symptoms to linger, you should rule out complications, such as persistent infection or other underlying issues.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your elbow's swelling and any discomfort. Note if it gets better or worse and if there are any changes in your mobility or function.
-
Rest and Ice: Give your elbow ample rest and consider applying ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce any remaining swelling.
-
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation but use them as directed.
-
Consult a Provider: If the discomfort persists beyond a few more days, consider returning to urgent care for further evaluation. They can assess whether further treatment or imaging (like an ultrasound) is needed. Alternatively, a primary care physician is a good option, especially if you need ongoing management or want to discuss preventive strategies.
-
Don't Hesitate: If you notice any new symptoms like increased redness, fever, or significant pain when moving the elbow, seek care promptly, as these may indicate the need for further investigation.
Take each step seriously, and remember that healing can take time. If you have any questions or concerns about what's happening with your elbow, it's always worthwhile to follow up with a healthcare professional.
Related Questions
22-Year-Old Seeking Help for Persistent Back and Leg Discomfort, Disc Issues, and Nutritional Deficiencies
At 22 years old, I am facing significant challenges, both physically and mentally, and I am reaching out in search of real insights or advice. My struggles include a **minimal disc bulge at L4-L5 and L5-S1**, along with deficiencies in **Vitamin D3 and B12**. As a result, I experience **chronic discomfort in my back**, considerable **pain in my legs**, and a frustrating **burning sensation in my feet**, particularly at night or after some walking. This situation is severely impacting my **daily life, academic pursuits, and job search**. I often feel **drained**, frequently **irritable**, and find it hard to **maintain focus**. The combination of pain and fatigue leads to emotional turmoil; I can become angry or upset without triggering circumstances, which is straining my relationships and diminishing my mental tranquility. These issues began in **January 2023**. While there have been moments of relief, the pain persists. Despite trying various medications over the past year, I find that they provide only fleeting comfort. I am exhausted both mentally and physically, and honestly, I am **frustrated with this cycle of temporary relief without long-term benefits**. I am in the process of seeking employment, but these health concerns have significantly hindered my ability to prepare adequately. Additionally, my **B.Tech studies have suffered** as a consequence of this ongoing struggle. 👉 I am eager for frank suggestions from anyone who has faced similar experiences: * What **medications (like tablets or syrups)** have proven effective for you? * Could you recommend any **foods or dietary changes** that promote healing from disc issues and vitamin deficiencies? * What **lifestyle adjustments, exercises, or home remedies** have provided you with sustained relief? I am desperate to alleviate this pain and regain my sense of self. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read and respond; your support is invaluable. **MRI REPORT OF LUMBOSACRAL SPINE** Technique: Sagittal, T1, T2, IR, Axial T2, IR Coronal for SI joints. **FINDINGS:** - The curvature and alignment of the lumbosacral spine are normal. - The vertebrae appear normal in height, shape, and bone marrow signal intensities, with no abnormalities in the vertebral end plates. - Intervertebral disc height remains normal. **DISC ASSESSMENT:** - L1-L2: No bulging or protrusion detected. - L2-L3: No bulging or protrusion detected. - L3-L4: No bulging or protrusion detected. - L4-L5: There is a minimal posterior disc bulge that slightly indents the thecal sac, coming into contact with the traversing nerve roots. There is minimal narrowing of the bilateral lateral recess. - L5-S1: Similar to L4-L5, there is a minimal posterior disc bulge also indenting the thecal sac and touching the traversing nerve roots. Dimensions of the spinal canal (mid-sagittal images): - L1-L2: 13.9 mm - L2-L3: 12.6 mm - L3-L4: 12.2 mm - L4-L5: 11.1 mm - L5-S1: 11.4 mm
32-Year-Old Woman Seeks Insight on Health Results
A 32-year-old woman, weighing 155 pounds and standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, is reaching out for clarification regarding her health results, which include a list of medications. She is currently taking Lamictal at a dosage of 150 mg and Vraylar at 1.5 mg. Apart from these, she reports no significant medical concerns and has undergone a partial thyroidectomy in the past, without needing ongoing medication for the condition. A recent blood test prior to this one indicated that her thyroid levels were within a normal range. She is a non-smoker and has not consumed alcohol for nearly six years, though she states she never experienced problems with drinking. Her doctor suggested testing for hypophosphatasia, noting that her other two levels were normal, which may likely exclude that diagnosis. However, she still finds her phosphate levels to be considerably low. This woman also suffers from persistent neck pain and extreme fatigue. She acknowledges the challenges of raising two young children, which may contribute to her tiredness, yet she is eager to gather more information regarding her test results. The results she received are as follows: - Phosphoethanolamine: Low at 0L (normal range is 0.59-7.25) - Random urine creatinine: 20.98 (normal range is 1.77-23.31) - Plasma Vitamin B6: 6.8 (normal range is 2.1-21.7)
Observations of My Toddler's Sleep Sounds
Greetings! I’d like to share some concerns regarding my 17-month-old daughter. During the night, she often produces a combination of gasps and whimpers while she sleeps, a behavior that seems to occur primarily after she’s fallen asleep for the night rather than during her daytime naps. On occasion, this leads to her waking up in tears, although she typically settles down fairly quickly. This phenomenon has been ongoing for at least half a year, and each episode can persist for a duration of 2 to 3 minutes, sometimes occurring multiple times in a row. I'm uncertain whether these sounds are the result of nightmares or if there could be another explanation. Aside from this matter, she is healthy and has achieved all her developmental milestones without any issues. Additionally, I have captured an audio recording of the sounds she makes during these episodes.
Is It Time to Seek a Second Opinion on My Pericardial Effusion?
**Patient Profile** **Age:** 23 **Gender:** Female **Height:** 5’6” **Weight:** 170 lbs Recently, I learned that a slight pericardial effusion was detected during my echocardiogram. I expressed my desire to undergo further testing, such as a cardiac MRI, to gain more clarity on the issue. However, my doctor declined this request, opting instead to send me for a CRP (which is not specifically related to cardiac conditions) and an ESR blood test. Her rationale was that these tests would help in identifying any potential pericarditis. After researching, I discovered that the CRP test I underwent might not be the most appropriate for diagnosing pericarditis; there's a more suitable test known as the HS-CRP, which I wasn't offered. Additionally, she remained reluctant to arrange for a cardiac MRI. This leads me to my main concern: should I seek the opinion of another healthcare professional? The current doctor attributes my chest pain to muscular causes and has indicated that I’ve always had a minimal amount of fluid surrounding my pericardium, referring to previous echocardiograms which she deemed as not concerning. Given this situation, I am questioning whether I should pursue further evaluation from a different physician who may address my concerns more thoroughly.
Affordable Options for STD Testing and Diagnosis in Manila
Subject: Seeking Budget-Friendly STD Testing in Manila Hello, I'm a 22-year-old male residing in Malate, Manila. Recently, I've been experiencing signs of urethritis, including pain during urination and occasional itchiness within my shaft. I'm looking for testing options without incurring unnecessary expenses. Yesterday, I received negative test results for both HIV and Hepatitis. During my time being sexually active, I was utilizing PrEP. Unfortunately, the testing facilities I've come across are highly priced, demanding over ₱10,000 for comprehensive packages that screen for ten or more infections. On the other hand, my budget is limited to ₱5,000, as I am currently a financially strapped college student. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!