Elbow Arthritis

If you’ve been experiencing pain in either of your elbows, it could be due to elbow arthritis. While arthritis is more commonly found in other joints of your body such as the hands, hips, and knees, some people suffer from elbow arthritis. If you suspect your pain could be resulting from elbow arthritis, we’ll go over some symptoms to watch for as well as some of your treatment options.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Pain in the elbow
• Limited range-of-motion/stiffness
• Swelling of the elbow
• Grinding sensations of the elbow
• Instability of the elbow joint

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor who can help you determine what kind of arthritis you’re experiencing, if this is the diagnosis. Dr. Nelson can diagnose whether you’re experiencing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis and provide a treatment plan from there.

Types of Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the elbow most commonly. This kind of arthritis will limit the functionality of the elbow and usually cause swelling, pain, and instability at the joint.

Post-traumatic arthritis is found following an injury to a joint. The common injuries that lead to elbow arthritis include fractures and/or dislocations. Any injury that damages elbow cartilage will often lead to progressive arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is relatively uncommon to find in the elbow. It mostly occurs in those who have a history of heavy labor activity or sports. The most common complaint with this type of arthritis is the lack of ability to straighten the elbow.

Treatment Options for Elbow Arthritis

The treatment that will be recommended for you depends on the severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing. Dr. Nelson will recommend the right treatment for you and your lifestyle to get you onto the path to recovery. The treatment options range from noninvasive to surgery. Here are a few treatment options that may be recommended for you:

• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modifications
• Ice and heat application
• Alternative treatments
• Cortisone injection
• Physical therapy
• Elbow arthroscopy

If surgery is recommended to relieve the pain you’ve been experiencing, you can trust that your health is in the best hands. Dr. Nelson strives to always provide the highest quality of care to his patients. You’ll be guided through the healing process and meet with Dr. Nelson for post-operative follow-ups to ensure everything is healing properly.

Schedule Your Appointment

Don’t live in pain any longer. Dr. Nelson can help you get back to your life with less elbow pain. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Nelson, give us a call at 435-774-8511.