What Is Elbow Arthritis?
Elbow arthritis refers to inflammation and progressive degeneration of the elbow joint, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Although less common than arthritis in weight-bearing joints like the knees or hips, elbow arthritis can significantly impact daily function, especially for individuals with physically demanding occupations or repetitive-use activities.
There are several types of elbow arthritis, including:
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Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear degeneration)
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Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation)
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Post-traumatic arthritis (from previous injury or fracture)
Causes and Risk Factors
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Age-related wear and tear, especially in manual laborers or athletes
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Prior elbow fractures or dislocations
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Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory autoimmune disorders
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Repetitive overhead or weight-bearing activities
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Congenital joint deformities
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History of joint infection or septic arthritis
Symptoms
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Pain during activity or at rest
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Stiffness and decreased range of motion
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Swelling or warmth around the elbow joint
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A grating or locking sensation during movement
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Difficulty performing tasks that involve bending or rotating the elbow
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Progressive loss of strength or function
Diagnosis
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Comprehensive physical exam to evaluate joint stiffness, crepitus, and swelling
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X-rays to assess joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or loose bodies
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MRI or CT scans may be used to evaluate cartilage health and soft tissue
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Blood tests for autoimmune markers in suspected inflammatory arthritis
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
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Ideal for early to moderate arthritis
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May include:
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Activity modification
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Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
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Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
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Physical therapy to preserve motion and strength
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Bracing or splinting for comfort during flare-ups
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Surgical Treatment
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Recommended when non-surgical methods no longer control symptoms
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Surgical options depend on the severity and pattern of joint damage:
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Arthroscopic debridement: Minimally invasive removal of bone spurs or loose bodies
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Interpositional arthroplasty: Soft tissue graft placed between bones to reduce friction in younger patients
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Total elbow replacement (arthroplasty): Most often for advanced arthritis in elderly, low-demand individuals
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Elbow fusion (arthrodesis): Rarely used, only in severe cases where replacement isn’t an option
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Recovery Outlook
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Recovery depends on treatment type and arthritis severity
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Patients undergoing non-surgical care may notice symptom relief in weeks
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Surgical recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks for arthroscopy and up to 6 months for elbow replacement
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Long-term outlook is generally favorable, especially with early treatment and proper rehabilitation
Why Kerlan Jobe Institute?
At Kerlan Jobe Institute, our specialists develop customized care plans for elbow arthritis, ranging from conservative therapies to state-of-the-art joint replacement. We prioritize pain relief, motion preservation, and restoring your ability to live and work actively.