Elbow Arthritis

Elbow arthritis occurs when the smooth protective cartilage covering the elbow joint wears down or suffers damage, leading to friction, inflammation, and bone-on-bone contact.

Symptoms

• Dull ache or sharp pain during movement
• Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Swelling, tenderness, and warmth
• A grinding, clicking, or locking sensation

Causes

• Natural age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis)
• Previous trauma, fractures, or dislocations (post-traumatic arthritis)
• Autoimmune joint inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis)

Risk Factors

• Prior elbow injuries or surgeries
• Repetitive heavy lifting or high-impact manual labor
• Advanced age or family history of arthritis

Diagnosis

Our fellowship-trained specialists evaluate your medical history, perform targeted physical exams, and utilize advanced imaging—including digital X-rays and MRI scans—to determine the exact stage of cartilage loss.

Treatment

We prioritize conservative therapies, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, and corticosteroid injections. If joint damage is advanced, our surgeons provide cutting-edge minimally invasive arthroscopy or joint reconstruction.