Elbow (olecranon) bursitis is characterized by:

• Swelling. The initial symptom of olecranon bursitis is often swelling that develops at the back of the elbow.  
• Pain. Pain most often occurs with direct pressure on the elbow, such as when resting the elbow on a hard surface. Pain can sometimes occur with bending the elbow. Some people may only experience swelling without significant pain.
• Redness and/or warmth. Occasionally, the olecranon bursa can become infected. Typical symptoms of an infected olecranon bursa include the skin becoming warm and red. A person may also develop a fever associated with an infected olecranon bursa.