Recurrent elbow bursitis

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am a 53 male. 4 years ago I fell on driveway and struck my elbow on the concrete, apparently I angered my burser sack and it swelled up quickly. I iced it and it went away. Yesterday my elbow swelled up just like before and this morning the swelling seems to have moved down the lower part of my forearm. Is this the normal progression of this condition before it subsides or am I to be concerned? Thank you, Chris Happy New Year...

Dear Chris: Yes, sometimes the bursitis may come back producing a new swelling of the previously injured bursa, if this is the case you should follow the same treatment as the first episode, meaning: apply ice to the elbow 4 to 6 times during this first 24 hours for periods no more than 15 minutes each time to avoid more swelling, and also ease the pain, if you have any; also taking Advil every 8 hours for the first 3 days and then 1 or 2 times a day as needed. After the first 24 hours from the fall, you will start applying on your elbow warm and wet compresses for periods of no more than 15 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day, also you can do series of active movements of flexion and extension of the elbow.