Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
195 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes A Large Fluid Filled Sac On The Outer Elbow?

4 days ago I noticed a rather large (small egg size) sac of fluid on my outer elbow. No pain or imflamation just a little pressure if I lay my arm on a desk top when typing. I am assuming bursitis. How long typically should the sac drain and reduce on it s own?
posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2016
Twitter Fri, 2 Aug 2019 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 5 Aug 2019 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

It is most likely a condition called bursitis which may be caused by trauma or by any other irritation of the cubital bursa, a small fat pad in the elbow. At this point, you should rest with the elbow, apply ice, take nonsteroid painkillers and elevate your arm and put elastic compress. It should lead to symptom improvement within 12 hours. Later, if there is no improvement, it would be advisable to do x-rays and see if fracture exist. Also, hematoma or seroma accumulation may persist and then elbow punction and fluid evacuation should be done by a doctor.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes A Large Fluid Filled Sac On The Outer Elbow?

Hi, It is most likely a condition called bursitis which may be caused by trauma or by any other irritation of the cubital bursa, a small fat pad in the elbow. At this point, you should rest with the elbow, apply ice, take nonsteroid painkillers and elevate your arm and put elastic compress. It should lead to symptom improvement within 12 hours. Later, if there is no improvement, it would be advisable to do x-rays and see if fracture exist. Also, hematoma or seroma accumulation may persist and then elbow punction and fluid evacuation should be done by a doctor. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon