Elbow Arthritis

Contact South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center for Elbow Arthritis Relief.

Arthritis, a condition that damages the cartilage lining around the bone, occurs when there is inflammation in a joint like the elbow. Seek treatment for elbow arthritis at South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center.

There are various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Each type of arthritis may be caused by different underlying elements, and each has different risk factors.

What Causes Elbow Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is most common in active people, whose wear and tear on the cartilage causes the surface to become worn. After this, the bones in the elbow begin to rub one another with no cushioning, triggering pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is predominantly found in women and is genetic. This type of arthritis occurs when the immune system breaks down the membrane that lines the joints. This is the most common type of arthritis that occurs in the elbow.

Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after a person sustains an injury. The area damaged then becomes sensitive and pain occurs with increased movement.

Psoriatic arthritis accompanies the skin condition, psoriasis. This can cause flaking skin on the elbow in addition to the symptoms of arthritis.

Septic arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection. When this infection enters the bloodstream it can spread to the joint, causing septicity.

Symptoms of Elbow Arthritis

Symptoms of elbow arthritis may vary, depending on the form of arthritis. The severity of the symptoms can also range from mild to severe, and some symptoms occur more frequently than others.

Shared symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Loss of motion and movement
  • Grating feeling in the bones
  • Joints locking
  • Stiffness
  • Joint instability
  • Swelling

If symptoms worsen, they can spread to other joints near the elbow, like the wrist, hands, or fingers.

Elbow Arthritis Diagnosis & Treatments

Mild forms of arthritis can be treated at home, and with non-surgical procedures. Activity modification, medications for pain, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy can all help patients manage elbow arthritis symptoms.

If elbow arthritis is severe, there are some surgical options to help manage pain:

  • An arthroscopy can be performed to remove loose fragments and tissue in the joint.
  • Prosthetic joints can be inserted so that the original joint is no longer in use.
  • Tendons can be repaired.
  • Joint fusion can be performed if a prosthetic joint is not an option.

Call South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center for Help Managing Elbow Arthritis

South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center can help treat your arthritic elbows and joints. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, contact our office at (561) 241-4758.