Elbow Arthritis

Who does Elbow Arthritis Affect?

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is worn out or is damaged. This can happen because of a previous injury such as elbow dislocation or fracture. Most commonly, however, it is the result of a normal wearing away of the joint cartilage from age and activity.

Elbow osteoarthritis that occurs without previous injury is more common in men than women. Onset typically occurs in patients 50 years of age or older, but some patients can have symptoms earlier.

What Causes Elbow Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is worn out or is damaged. This can happen because

• Trauma or a previous injury such as elbow dislocation or fracture
• Normal wearing away of the joint cartilage from age and activity
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Types of Elbow Arthritis

Elbow Arthritis can be classified in the following fashion:

• Osteoarthritis - commonly occurs as a result of overuse, or an injury such as dislocation or fracture
• Post-Traumatic arthritis - Arthritis caused by an injury to the elbow joint that causes inflammation.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the joint tissues, causing inflammation and damage. This is the most common and can affect both elbows

Symptoms of Elbow Arthritis

You may have elbow arthritis if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Elbow pain
• Instability
• Locking or Grinding, popping or cracking of the elbow joint
• Stiffness or a decreased range of motion
• Swelling
• Tenderness, warmth and redness in the elbow joint

Stages of Elbow Osteoarthritis

Elbow Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease:

• Stage I - body start to attach joint tissue
• Stage II - body responds by making antibodies and the joint swells
• Stage III - joints bend and deform, can cause pressure and nerve pain
• Stage IV - if not treated the joints can fuse and cause significant pain
  

How is Elbow Arthritis Diagnosed

Patients who suspect they have Elbow Arthritis require a fully diagnosis this can include:

Medical History

Your doctor will ask questions about:

• Current symptoms and what if any activities aggravate your condition, or how injury was sustained,
• Obtain a medical history including family or genetic links etc
• Determine any related former conditions diseases and treatments,
• Record health metrics (weight, mobility, blood pressure, heart rate, etc)
• Confirm medications, past and present
• Record habits, diet, exercise and other related actions
• Understand any risk factors or related complications or links

Physical Examination

Your doctor perform comprehensive physical evaluation that can include:

• Examining the affected area,
• Evaluate any swelling, pain, bruising or other features, etc
• Determine impact of condition such as range or motion, pain, diet, lifestyle,
• Record levels or severity of any symptoms

Diagnostic Testing

Once your doctor has completed the physical examination further tests maybe required. These tests can help your doctor determine or eliminate possible causes or impacts, or complete the diagnostic process and can include:

• Pathology - blood or other sample tests, lung functions, etc
• X-Ray -
• Ultrasound -
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Once a final diagnosis has been completed your doctor can discuss with you and recommend any treatment options.

Non Surgical Treatment for Elbow Arthritis

Treatment for your condition can begin immediately and can include:

• Pain Medication - to treat pain or discomfort including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can relieve some
• Inflammation Medication - may be prescribed to alleviate swelling including antibiotics for infection control
• R.I.C.E. - To reduce the pain and swelling surrounding the injured area.
• Rest: Rest the affected area as more damage could result from putting pressure on the injury.
• Ice: Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area
• Compression: Wrapping with an elastic bandage or an elasticated tubular bandage can help to minimize the swelling.
• Elevation: Elevating the injured area above heart level to help with any swelling and pain
• Exercise - may be recommended
• Bracing - may be recommended to brace
• Taping - may be applied over the affected areas to reduce pain.
• Injection Therapies - may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing of the patellar tendon.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy - may be prescribed  to accelerate healing.
• Dry Needling - may be recommended to break up or destroy degenerative structures.
• Hyperthermia Thermotherapy may be recommended to heat and/or cool damaged tissues while allowing the surface level tissues to stay cool. 

Surgical Treatment for Elbow Arthritis

In cases where either a conservative treatment has not resolved the problem or where a patient best or only treatment option is surgery, your doctor may recommend:

• Elbow Arthritis Surgery - a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to remove, repair or reconstruct soft-tissue, tendons, ligaments and muscles.
  
• Total Elbow Replacement - to restore range of mobility for patients with end-stage arthritis in the elbow by replacing  the damaged elbows components with artificial parts.
• using an artificial stem inside the humerus the ulna connected by a hinge to allow for better function and range of motion.
• as above without the hinge and the two stems are held together with ligaments, tendons and muscles that are in good condition.

What if Elbow Arthritis goes Untreated?

Where untreated  the condition Elbow Arthritis may get worse and cause continued pain. With Osteoarthritis, if left untreated, the long-term damage to the joints can be significant. Fibrous tissue may form around the joints, and bones may fuse together. This can cause deformity and a loss of mobility.