Elbow Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is damaged.

This can occur from previous elbow injury or trauma, aging, or repetitive elbow activities. Signs and symptoms include elbow pain, decreased range of motion, swelling, stiffness, clicking, catching, or locking of the elbow, decreased strength, and even numbness or tingling. Xrays are sufficient enough to validate diagnosis. Treatment is dependent on severity of the disease as well as the age and overall health of the patient. Nonoperative treatment includes rest, activity modification, ice or heat application, oral or topical anti-inflammatories and analgesia, physiotherapy, and possibly corticosteroid injections. If nonoperative treatments fail or if condition is severe, surgery may be indicated.