Elbow Arthritis
What is it?
There are three bones involved the humerus (upper arm) and two forearm bones (radius and ulnar). The humerus and ulnar act as the ‘hinge part’ of the elbow whilst the radius rotates around the ulnar -to allow the hand to be ‘palm up’ and ‘palm down’. When the cartilage surfaces are damaged it causes pain and stiffness in the elbow. Early arthritis of the elbow is typified by a loss of range of motions and the formation of ‘loose bodies’ which can cause ‘locking’ and clicking of the elbow.
What is it?
There are three bones involved the humerus (upper arm) and two forearm bones (radius and ulnar). The humerus and ulnar act as the ‘hinge part’ of the elbow whilst the radius rotates around the ulnar -to allow the hand to be ‘palm up’ and ‘palm down’. When the cartilage surfaces are damaged it causes pain and stiffness in the elbow. Early arthritis of the elbow is typified by a loss of range of motions and the formation of ‘loose bodies’ which can cause ‘locking’ and clicking of the elbow.
What causes it?
This tends to affect individuals over the age of 50 when there is no specific cause for this (primary arthritis) but can affect younger individuals when due to problems from trauma, inflammatory joint conditions or sepsis.
What happens if you do nothing?
Elbow arthritis will not improve with time, symptoms can ‘wax and wane’ but will gradually deteriorate.
What happens if you do nothing?
Elbow arthritis will not improve with time, symptoms can ‘wax and wane’ but will gradually deteriorate.
What treatments are there?
When simple painkillers fail to manage your symptoms satisfactorily other treatment options to consider include injections such Hyaluronic Acid or anti-inflammatory steroids if the arthritis is not too severe. If the arthritis is not too severe an arthroscopy of the elbow can improve range of motion and remove loose bodies if locking is a problem. Joint replacement is possible but is best reserved for low demand individuals.