It is often difficult to tell the difference between this type of bursitis pain and a rotator cuff injury. Both cause pain in the side or front of the shoulder. Overhead lifting or reaching activities are uncomfortable. Pain is often worse at night. The shoulder will usually have decreased range of active motion and be tender at specific spots.
Olecranon bursitis is the most common form of bursitis.
This area is at the top of one of the forearm bones called the ulna and is known as the olecranon process. The pain may increase if the elbow is bent because tension increases over the bursa. Infection is common in this bursa. Swelling may occur as late as 7-10 days after a single blow to the area, usually from a fall. When restrained by the 3 tendons, the bursa looks like a goose's foot.