Elbow Arthritis
What is Elbow Arthritis?
Elbow arthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the elbow joint has been worn away or damaged from overuse, repetitive motions, age, or other conditions.
What Causes Elbow Arthritis?
Arthritis can be caused by many different conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: the most common cause of elbow arthritis. Your immune system attacks the lining of your joints causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. It affects both sides of the body so if both your elbows ache, you may have rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: more common in weight-bearing joints but can occur in elbows. This happens when the cartilage protecting your joints has been worn away from sports or repetitive movements. This can also happen due to an injury like a dislocation or fracture which wears down cartilage.
- Gout: This occurs when uric acid builds up in your blood, which leads to sharp crystals in the tissues and joints. This causes severe pain and swelling.
- Trauma or injury to the elbow
Elbow Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of elbow arthritis may include:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Pain
- A feeling of clicking or snapping
- Pain when you rotate or extend your arm
- Difficulty moving your elbow
- The joint locks up or gives out
- Tingling
- Numbness in your ring and pinky fingers
- Tenderness, warmth, or redness at the elbow joint
Elbow Arthritis Diagnosis
Our elbow specialists will be able to determine if your elbow pain is the result of elbow arthritis, using the latest diagnostic tools. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, conduct an examination, and may order additional tests such as X-ray, MRI, Musculoskeletal ultrasound, and CT scan.
Elbow Arthritis Treatment
Our elbow specialists can determine the best course of treatment for your elbow arthritis which may include the following:
- Rest
- Corticosteroid injections
- Applying ice or heat to the elbow
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication