Elbow Arthritis

by Mr. David Shields

Elbow arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the elbow joint. It’s less common than arthritis in other joints, such as the hip or knee. But it can still be a painful and debilitating condition.

What are the symptoms of elbow arthritis?
  • Pain that’s worse when you bend or straighten your elbow.
  • Stiffness in the elbow joint.
  • Swelling around the elbow.
  • A clicking or snapping feeling when you move your elbow.
  • Numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers.
  • Progressive loss of range of motion at the elbow

The pain of osteoarthritis may get worse as you extend your arm. Pain that continues during the night or when you are at rest indicates a more advanced stage of osteoarthritis.

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What are the causes of elbow arthritis?

There are a few different things that can cause elbow arthritis, including:

  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, and it’s caused by wear and tear on the
    joints. It’s not very common in the elbow unless you’ve injured it in the past, for example, a previously
    broken bone.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to
    attack the lining of your joints. It usually affects both elbows, as well as other joints such as the hand,
    wrist and shoulder.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: This type of arthritis can develop after an injury to the elbow, such as a
    fracture or dislocation.
  • A Other types of arthritis: Gout, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile arthritis can also affect the elbow.
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How is elbow arthritis diagnosed?

If you think you might have elbow arthritis, you should see a doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and examine your elbow. They may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How is elbow arthritis treated?

The treatment for elbow arthritis will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition.

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Nonsurgical Treatment

Treatment usually starts with nonsurgical options. These can include:

  • Lifestyle changes: Avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms, resting your elbow and maintaining a healthy weight can all help.
  • Medications: Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids.
  • Physical therapy: A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your elbow and improve your range of motion.
  • A Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Surgical Treatment

If nonsurgical treatment doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options for elbow arthritis include:

  • Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove loose fragments of bone and cartilage from the elbow joint.
  • Synovectomy: This procedure involves removing the inflamed lining of the joint.
  • Elbow replacement surgery: This procedure involves replacing the damaged elbow joint with an artificial joint.

Elbow replacement surgery is usually only recommended for people with severe elbow arthritis who have not responded to other treatments.

FAQs About Elbow Arthritis
What is the best treatment for elbow arthritis?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best treatment for elbow arthritis will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your age, your overall health and your lifestyle.

Can elbow arthritis be cured?

There is no cure for elbow arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.

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What can I do to prevent elbow arthritis?

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing elbow arthritis, including:

  • Avoiding repeated injury to your elbow: This includes wearing protective gear when playing sports and being careful when lifting heavy objects.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on your joints, which can increase your risk of developing arthritis.
  • Exercising regularly: Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around your joints, as well and maintain range of milotion, which can help to protect them from injury.
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What is the best way to manage elbow arthritis pain?

There are a number of things you can do to manage elbow arthritis pain, including:

  • Taking over-the-counter painkillers: Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Applying heat or ice to the affected area: Heat can help to relax the muscles around the joint, while ice can help to reduce inflammation.
  • Resting your elbow: Avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms can help to give your elbow a chance to heal.
  • Doing gentle exercises: A physiotherapist can teach you exercises that can help to strengthen the muscles around your elbow and improve your range of motion.
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When should I see a doctor about my elbow pain?

You should see a doctor about your elbow pain if:

  • The pain is severe.
  • The pain does not improve with home treatment.
  • You have any other symptoms, such as swelling, redness or numbness.
Who can help me if I have elbow arthritis?

If you have elbow arthritis, you may benefit from seeing a specialist at The Upper Limb Clinic.
The Upper Limb Clinic is a specialist clinic that provides treatment for a wide range of elbow conditions, including elbow arthritis.
The team at The Upper Limb Clinic can offer a variety of treatments, including:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Injections
  • Surgery

The team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. To find out more about The Upper Limb Clinic, please visit our website or email info@theupperlimbclinic.co.uk