Can i drain my own elbow?

Even if you were a medical professional, the angle at which you would have to work to safely aspirate a bursa at the elbow is extremely awkward. As long as it is not reddened and tender (possible infection), try taking 600 mg of Advil 3x/day for a week, and ice the elbow frequently. If its not substantially diminished in size in 7 days, see a doctor.

If your elbow is very swollen and painful, you should visit the emergency room to obtain care for your injury and worry about making payments later. Many care providers will accept payment in installments. If an emergency room will not provide treatment, seek out a free clinic and have a doctor or public health nurse take a look at your elbow. If a free clinic does not serve your town, contact your local county health department. Possibly the health department will be able to direct you to a care provider who can offer immediate assistance. You do not want to "drain" your elbow by cutting or puncturing it, which can cause infection. Sometimes swelling is due to internal bleeding. Please have a qualified health care professional examine your elbow and then follow their instructions. Best wishes!

No, please don't do it your self. It not just that easy. You could very well hurt yourself more. Your likely to get an infection in it if you do it yourself, and then it will really be a problem. Please go to a dr. no matter what it costs. Maybe they would make payment arrangements with you since you don't have ins. Good Luck!!