What would cause my elbow to get a lump on it

Hello Anon

You may have been bitten by something or you may have some sort of infection - this is something that needs to be seen by a medical professional.

You also may have something called Bursitis - Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. The bursa reduces friction between the tendon and bone. It allows the tendon to glide easily over the bone.

There are many bursae in the body protecting underlying tendons. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints:

Shoulder
Elbow
Knee
Hip
Bursitis in the Shoulder

Symptoms of bursitis include:

Pain in the area of the bursa
Swelling
Reddened skin
Warmth around the area of the bursa
Decreased motion of the nearby joint
Decreased function of the nearby limb

Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and your physical activities. The painful area will be examined. You may have an x-ray.

Acute bursitis treatment may include some of the following:

Resting the affected area
Icing the painful area
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Having a cortisone injection
Protecting the area from trauma
Treatment for chronic bursitis may include:

Stopping the activity causing pain
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Protecting the bursa from trauma
Having physical therapy, including exercising and applying heat
Having a cortisone injection
Undergoing surgery

Anon, contact your doctor.
Best,
Susan