Elbow Arthritis
What Causes Chronic Elbow Pain and Stiffness?
Persistent elbow pain, stiffness, and loss of motion — particularly with a history of prior injury or heavy repetitive use — is often elbow arthritis. Cartilage wear in the elbow is much less common than hip or knee arthritis but can significantly affect arm function when it occurs.
Causes & Symptoms
Elbow arthritis often develops after a prior fracture or dislocation, from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or from heavy repetitive loading over years (such as boxing or powerlifting). Symptoms include pain with elbow motion, stiffness, a catching or locking sensation from loose fragments within the joint, and progressive loss of the ability to fully straighten or bend the elbow.
Diagnosis & Treatment
X-rays confirm the diagnosis and pattern of arthritis. Nonsurgical treatment includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and injections. Many patients can live for years with these treatments before needing surgery. Surgical options range from arthroscopic debridement (removing loose fragments and impinging tissue) for milder cases to elbow replacement for more advanced arthritis significantly limiting function.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is elbow arthritis common?
It's much less common than hip or knee arthritis, often relating to a prior injury or inflammatory joint condition rather than simple wear alone.
Can steroid injections help with elbow arthritis?
Although they do not cure anything, many patients can get several months of pain relief with steroid injections.
Can elbow arthritis be treated arthroscopically?
Yes, for appropriate cases — arthroscopic debridement can relieve mechanical symptoms and improve motion, particularly for less advanced arthritis.