Dr. Alexander G. Athey
Hip, Knee
Elbow Arthritis
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Elbow arthritis is a condition that can cause swelling and pain in the elbow joint. In this article, we will look at the different types of arthritis that can affect the elbow, the symptoms to look out for, how it’s diagnosed, and the effective treatment options that are available.
Our elbow experts at JIS Orthopedics would be happy to help you with any conditions causing you elbow pain. If you are looking for orthopedic treatment in New Albany and St Clairsville, Ohio, please call us today!
What is Elbow Arthritis?
Elbow arthritis is a condition that causes swelling in the elbow joint and pain. It can make tasks, such as carrying groceries or playing tennis, very challenging and painful.
Causes of Elbow Arthritis
There are several different types of arthritis that commonly affect the elbow joint. Each type of arthritis is caused by a different mechanism. We will discuss the different types of arthritis and their causes.
Rheumatoid arthritis
The most common type of arthritis of the elbow is rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your immune system attacks your body’s cells. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system can attack the lining of your elbow joints, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Both elbow joints are usually affected at the same time. You may have this type of arthritis if you have symptoms in both elbows.
Osteoarthritis
Although osteoarthritis is more common in weight-bearing joints, it can also affect your elbows. Osteoarthritis occurs through wear and tear on the protective cartilage between the joints. The joint space narrows, causing friction and pain.
Possible causes include repetitive movements at work or playing sports. Another possibility is through injury. This is often referred to as post-traumatic arthritis.
Gout
Another cause of elbow pain is gout. Gout occurs when there is a build-up of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid can form sharp crystals within the tissues and joints. These crystals cause intense pain and swelling in the elbow joint.
Psoriatic Arthritis
If you have psoriasis, there is a chance you may develop psoriatic arthritis. It can affect many of your joints, including your elbow.
Juvenile Arthritis
This can affect children aged 16 or younger. The exact cause is not known.
Lupus-Related Arthritis
Lupus is another autoimmune disease that could affect your joints. Although it most often affects your hands and feet, it can also affect your elbows.
Risk Factors for Elbow Arthritis
You may be at a higher risk of developing elbow arthritis if:
- You have a family history of arthritis
- You are an older adult
- You had a previous joint injury
- Your work or activities involve repetitive heavy loading of the arm
Who Does Elbow Bursitis Affect and How Common Is It?
Elbow bursitis can affect any individual. However, certain factors may increase your chances of developing it, including:
- You lean on your elbows frequently
- Perform repetitive elbow movements in sports or other hobbies
- You have a medical condition, such as arthritis, thyroid disease, or diabetes
What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Arthritis?
The symptoms of elbow arthritis may include the following:
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Elbow Stiffness
- Tingling in your elbow
- Loss of sensation in your ring and pinky fingers
- Crepitus (clicking sounds in elbow)
- Difficulties moving your elbow
- Pain when you rotate or extend your arm
- Joint locking
- Symptoms that are worse on the outside of your elbow joint
How is Elbow Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis for elbow arthritis begins with a consideration of your medical history. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam. They will look for swelling, tenderness, and redness around your elbow joint. They will also see how you are moving your joints and check your range of motion.
Your doctor may also send you for imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to check for damage in the joint.
Elbow Arthritis Treatment Options
Treatment for arthritis of the elbow will depend on the cause of your arthritis and the severity. Some treatment options for elbow arthritis include the following:
Home Remedies
Activity modification is a simple way to reduce symptoms of elbow arthritis. Resting your elbow after exercise can also help.
Some have found that hot and cold therapy using ice packs and heating pads can also help relieve symptoms. Ice reduces pain and swelling. Heat can loosen stiff joints and relax muscles.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation and swelling. Other medications, such as cortisone shots, may also be necessary. These can ease pain for a few months at a time.
Splints and elbow braces can relieve pressure on your elbow joint.
Physical therapy can help you to build strength and mobility. This may help relieve pressure on your elbow joint.
Elbow Surgery
You might need elbow surgery if other treatments don’t work and you have severe pain. Surgical procedures for elbow arthritis include:
- Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgery. Your doctor inserts tiny instruments into your elbow joint to remove pieces of bone, cartilage, or damaged tissue. Rough surfaces can also be smoothed using this procedure. As the procedure is minimally invasive, the recovery time is generally pretty short.
- Synovectomy: Bone spurs or damaged areas are removed from the synovium or the lining of the joint.
- Joint Debridement: This is a “clean up” operation to remove the bone spurs and significantly improve the motion of the joint.
- Arthroplasty: Severe cases of elbow arthritis may require a total elbow replacement. The surgeon will replace damaged parts of your elbow joint with an artificial joint.
Call JIS Orthopedics Today
At JIS Orthopedics, our surgeons are fully equipped to treat the various causes of elbow arthritis. If you are experiencing elbow pain, book an appointment with us today. You can find us in New Albany and St Clairsville, OH. Our specialists are ready to give you the quality care you are looking for!
Medically reviewed by AJ Julka, MD
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