Elbow Arthritis
Description
Like other joints, the elbow is susceptible to developing arthritis. Arthritis is a painful, progressive condition in which the cushioning cartilage that prevents joint-on-joint contact wears away. Read on to learn more about symptom relief and treatment options.
Causes & Triggers
- Age-related cartilage degeneration
- Inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Prior injury, infection or fracture
- Wear-and-tear
Signs & Symptoms
- Decreased, limited or restricted range of motion
- Grating or grinding noise
- Locking sensation
- Numbness
- Pain
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tingling (thumb and fingers)
Tips & Treatment
- Early arthritis is usually treated non-surgically and for the purpose of reducing symptoms.
- Symptom-relieving treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy and/or activity modification.
- In moderate to severe cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be required to remove degenerative tissue or fragments, and to smooth irregular surfaces.
- Joint replacement is only required when the surface of the joint is worn completely away.
