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Radiohumeral Bursitis - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Radiohumeral bursitis is a painful condition of the elbow caused by repetitive arm movements. Read the article to know more about it.

Written by Dr. Anjali
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anuj Gupta
Published At July 26, 2023
Reviewed At March 28, 2024

Education:

MDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anjali is a skilled and experienced maxillofacial prosthodontist. With a passion for delivering exceptional patient care, Dr. Anjali has dedicated herself to improving the lives of those who require specialized dental treatment. Dr. Anjali has continued pursuing her passion for maxillofacial prosthodontics, working in public and private dental practices. She has extensive years of experience in treating patients with dental problems.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anuj Gupta is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is specially trained in spine surgery. He completed his MBBS from The Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, and MS in Orthopedics at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. He did his DNB at Chatrapathi Shahu Ji Maharaj University. Currently, he is working in Triveni Ortho and Spine Center, Delhi, with work experience of 13 years. He has also done short training in spine surgery from the University of California, San Francisco, and Mount Sinai hospital, New York. He has also completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics from a renowned hospital in the USA.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The condition known as tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, medically referred to as radiohumeral bursitis, specifically impacts the elbow joint. It is characterized by pain and inflammation in the elbow's outer part, where the forearm's tendons and muscles attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone. This condition is commonly seen in individuals who participate in repetitive activities such as tennis, golf, and manual labor.

What Are the Causes of Radiohumeral Bursitis?

The following are the common causes of radiohumeral bursitis:

  • Overuse and Repetitive Strain: One of the most common causes of radiohumeral bursitis is overuse and repetitive strain on the tendons and muscles of the forearm. It is frequently observed in individuals engaged in activities involving repetitive motions, such as tennis, golf, and manual labor.

  • Poor Technique: Poor technique during sports activities can contribute to the development of radiohumeral bursitis. Improper technique can place excessive stress on the tendons and muscles of the forearm, leading to inflammation and pain.

  • Improper Equipment: Using improper equipment can also contribute to developing radiohumeral bursitis. Equipment such as tennis rackets or golf clubs that are too heavy or have a grip that is too small can place excessive stress on the tendons and muscles of the forearm.

  • Poor Posture: Poor posture can also contribute to the development of radiohumeral bursitis. Assuming a slouched position while sitting or standing can exert excessive strain on the tendons and muscles of the forearm, potentially causing inflammation and pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Radiohumeral Bursitis?

The most common symptom of radiohumeral bursitis is pain on the outside of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm. The pain may be mild at first, but it can become severe and persistent over time. In addition to pain, individuals with tennis elbow may also experience stiffness, weakness, and difficulty in gripping objects.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods of Radiohumeral Bursitis?

The following are the common diagnostic methods used to determine if an individual has radiohumeral bursitis:

  • Physical Examination: During physical examination, a healthcare provider examines the affected elbow and assesses the individual's range of motion, strength, and grip. They may also apply pressure to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone to assess for tenderness.

  • Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions that may be causing the individual's symptoms.

  • Electromyography (EMG): The EMG is a diagnostic test that assesses the electrical activity within the muscles and nerves of the affected arm. It can help to identify any nerve damage or muscle weakness that may be contributing to the individual's symptoms.

  • Medical History: A healthcare provider may also take a medical history to determine if the individual has any risk factors for developing radiohumeral bursitis, such as a history of participating in sports that require repetitive arm movements.

What Is the Treatment of Radiohumeral Bursitis?

The following are the common treatment methods used to relieve the symptoms of radiohumeral bursitis:

  • Rest and Ice: An initial measure in the treatment of radiohumeral bursitis involves resting the affected arm and applying ice to the area to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Resting the arm denotes avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, such as playing tennis or using heavy tools.

  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve the strength and flexibility of the forearm muscles and reduce the risk of future injury. Exercises and stretches that can assist in managing the symptoms of tennis elbow may be recommended by a physical therapist.

  • Medications: Ibuprofen or Naproxen, which are available without a prescription, can aid in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation associated with radiohumeral bursitis. To diminish inflammation and alleviate pain, healthcare providers may suggest corticosteroid injections in certain instances.

  • Bracing: Wearing a brace or forearm strap can help to reduce pressure on the affected area and alleviate pain associated with tennis elbow.

  • Surgery: When radiohumeral bursitis reaches severe levels, surgical intervention may be advised to eliminate damaged tissue or repair injured tendons. However, surgery is only recommended when other treatment methods have failed to relieve symptoms.

What Are the Complications of Radiohumeral Bursitis?

  • If radio humeral bursitis is left untreated, the inflammation can become chronic, leading to persistent pain and weakness in the affected arm. This can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, including work-related tasks and leisure activities. In severe cases, chronic inflammation can lead to scar tissue formation, which can limit mobility and cause further pain.

  • Additionally, untreated radiohumeral bursitis can cause the muscles of the forearm to weaken, leading to a loss of strength and grip in the affected arm. This can affect an individual's ability to hold objects, perform fine motor tasks, and engage in activities that require strength and dexterity in the hands and arms.

  • In rare cases, the chronic inflammation associated with radio humeral bursitis can cause damage to the nerves in the affected arm, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness. This can also result in a loss of sensation or coordination in the affected arm.

  • In cases where the symptoms of radio humeral bursitis do not respond to conservative treatment options, such as rest and physical therapy, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa and restore function to the affected arm. However, as with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.

How Can Radiohumeral Bursitis Be Prevented?

Preventing radio humeral bursitis, or tennis elbow, involves using proper technique when performing repetitive arm movements, warming up and stretching before engaging in activities, taking breaks to rest and recover, strengthening and stretching forearm muscles, and using protective equipment when necessary. These measures help reduce the strain on the forearm muscles and tendons, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of injury. It is important to take steps to prevent tennis elbow to avoid chronic pain, weakness, and loss of function in the affected arm.

Conclusion

Radiohumeral bursitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition limiting an individual's ability to perform daily activities. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most individuals with tennis elbow can recover fully and return to their normal activities. Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, medication, bracing, and in severe cases, surgery. To prevent development of tennis elbow, individuals can use proper technique, warm up and stretch, take breaks, strengthen and stretch forearm muscles, and use protective equipment. By following these tips, individuals can reduce their risk of developing tennis elbow and other injuries associated with repetitive arm movements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Initial Treatment for Bursitis?

The immediate and initial line of treatment for bursitis is to apply ice or cold packs immediately if any pain or swelling is noticed in the muscles or near the elbow joint. Ice packs should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes at once, three to four times daily, for 3 consecutive days. If any relief is not experienced, then consult a healthcare professional.

What Is Known as Radiohumeral Bursitis?

Radiohumeral bursitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition affecting the elbow joint. It causes pain and inflammation in the outermost part of the elbow, where the forearm's tendons and muscles attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone. Repeated motions of the wrist and arm often cause it.

What Is the Treatment for Radiohumeral Bursitis?

Treatment choices for radiohumeral bursitis include rest, ice, and taking a pain reliever, which helps to relieve discomfort. If this did not help, then the following is needed:


- Medication.


- Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the affected muscles.


- Corticosteroid drugs may be injected into the bursa to relieve pain and inflammation.


- In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Is It Possible to Cure Radiohumeral Bursitis Without Any Surgery?

Only in rare cases is surgery recommended for radiohumeral bursitis. Generally, radiohumeral bursitis can be cured with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is recommended only in case of severe infection or non-surgical treatment that does not give any relief.

Will Radiohumeral Bursitis Go away Without Any Treatment?

Typically, radiohumeral bursitis does not require any treatment; it can be cured within a few days with self-care remedies. Applying ice or cold packs for 10 to 15 minutes at once, three to four times a day for three consecutive days, will be very helpful for relief. Only in rare cases will nonsurgical or surgical treatments be needed.

Does Bursitis Come Back After Treatment?

Tennis elbow is generally a temporary condition. Proper self-care, such as rest, ice packs, and limiting motion, will help to cure the symptoms. However, if there is an infection or severe injury and proper treatment is not provided initially, it may reoccur.

What Diet Should Be Followed to Reduce Bursitis?

Diet is a very important factor in reducing bursitis. Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to reduce joint stress. Also, foods rich in vitamin B, such as spinach, broccoli, citrus fruits, and bananas, will help strengthen the bursa sac. It is also recommended to eat foods rich in Omega 3s.

What Is the Home Treatment for Bursitis?

Radiohumeral bursitis generally does not require treatment. It is usually cured with adequate rest and home treatment. Applying ice immediately when pain or swelling is noted will help reduce the symptoms. In cases of pain, over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain.

Is Heat Treatment Recommended for Treating Bursitis?

Heat pack treatments will help increase blood flow and reduce the risk of cyclic injury. Heat pack treatments should only be used after 3 to 5 days of initial symptoms, when swelling has reduced. In cases of surgery, heat packs should be started only after at least 2 weeks after surgery.

Can an Individual With Elbow Bursitis Exercise?

Simple exercises will help decrease pain and swelling for patients with elbow bursitis. They also prevent the elbow joint from stiffening and increase the elbow's movement and strength. It is advisable to perform simple range-of-motion exercises. If there is no pain while performing these exercises, after a week, strengthening exercises can be performed.

How Long Do the Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis Generally Last?

In general, the symptoms of radiohumeral bursitis will heal with adequate rest and following home treatments, like applying an ice pack, within two to three weeks. In cases of infection, it may take longer, and antibiotics are required to reduce the infection.

What Activities Should Not Be Performed in Patients With Elbow Bursitis?

In patients with elbow bursitis, simple motion exercises are recommended to increase the blood circulation. It is advised to recommend the activities that caused the injury and avoid leaning on the elbow. Also, do not perform exercises such as barbell extensions and dumbbell curls.

Which Antibiotics Are Ideal for Radiohumeral Bursitis?

Antibiotics for bursitis are recommended in cases of infections. Simple home remedies and over-the-counter painkillers are only needed. Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, and Flucloxacillin are antibiotics that help treat bursitis. In mild cases, oral antibiotics are recommended; in severe cases, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be needed.

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Dr. Anuj Gupta from iCliniq
Dr. Anuj Gupta

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