Elbow stiffness...

[Krisna]

Okay, I've had this problem for several years now and I've had bone density tests and all that stuff done and doctors couldn't find any reason for it.  They blamed it on me in fact, saying that it was from lack of motion.  Which is completely wrong since I've been lifting weights (dumbbells) for abt 10 yrs.  Of course I can't lift more than 10 lbs on the fistula arm but anyway.  My problem is, I am unable to completely straighten my arms.  One doctor told me it was something like Bracitis (sp.), whatever that is.  He told me to get this cream made from peppers.  It irritated my skin and I had to stop using it!  I've had problems with low Calcium since 1987 so, I don't know if it has anything to do with that or what!  Does anyone else have this problem or have any idea what causes this.  It's not painful, just annoying!  Well, it's not painful unless someone at the hospital tries to force it to straighten.  (I really hate throwing medical staff out of my room but some people just don't LISTEN!)

[okarol]

Bursitis:
Olecranon bursitis:
Chronic stress from repetitive forward-leaning positions with pressure on the elbows is seen in long-term hemodialysis patients (dialysis elbow), in chronic obstructive lung disease patients, in students, and in those with the occupation of laying down carpet. Lunger elbow has been suggested as a term to describe this affliction.

Nontraumatic causes of olecranon bursitis most commonly include gout, followed by pseudogout, rheumatoid arthritis, and uremia.

from http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic74.htm

What is the treatment for elbow bursitis? go to http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/elbow/a/olecranonbursa_2.htm

[oswald]

i don't know, i've been laying carpet for 20 years and i've never heard of this.  i got regular aches and pains but nothing debilitating.

[oswald]

i guess i should've read the link before posting.  thats exactly what i got.  i didn't know that water on the knees is called bursitis.  note to self:  always listen to the information guru.  thank-you ms. karol   

[boxman55]

I have a reoccurring of elbow bursitis. I had it drained once and given a cortisone shot only to have it swell up again. My nepth prescribed an anti-inflam med which helps the discomfort somewhat but as you can tell from the pic it keeps coming back...Boxman