Elbow arthritis
Stiffness and aching from joint wear. We'll talk you through the options for easing pain and keeping your elbow working well.
Arthritis of the elbow is wear of the smooth cartilage inside the joint. It can cause pain, stiffness and a gradual loss of the elbow's range of movement, which can affect everyday tasks.
What are the symptoms?
- Aching pain, often worse with use or at the extremes of movement
- Stiffness and difficulty fully straightening or bending the elbow
- Grinding, catching or locking if loose fragments are present
- Sometimes tingling in the fingers if nearby nerves are irritated
What causes it?
It can follow a previous injury or fracture, result from rheumatoid arthritis, or develop with wear over time, particularly after heavy manual use.
How is it diagnosed?
An examination and X-ray usually confirm the diagnosis. A CT scan is sometimes used to look at loose fragments or plan surgery.
Treatment options
Without surgery
Activity adjustment, painkillers or anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and steroid injections can all help keep the elbow comfortable.
Keyhole surgery
Where catching, locking or stiffness is the main problem, keyhole surgery (arthroscopic debridement) can remove loose fragments and bone spurs to improve movement and reduce pain.
What to expect during recovery
Non-surgical measures keep many people comfortable. After keyhole surgery, early movement and physiotherapy help restore the elbow's range, with improvement over the following weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can anything be done for a stiff, arthritic elbow?
Yes. Depending on the cause, injections, physiotherapy or keyhole surgery to remove loose fragments and spurs can improve comfort and movement.
Will I need my elbow replaced?
Elbow replacement is reserved for advanced arthritis in specific circumstances. Many people are managed effectively without it.
Take the first step towards a pain-free shoulder or elbow
Book online, call 07590 880438, or send an enquiry. Mr Corner sees patients at Spire Harpenden and One Stop Healthcare, Hemel Hempstead.