Elbow Arthritis
Joint degeneration causing stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion in the elbow joint
Recovery Time
Ongoing Management
Prevalence
Common in Adults 50+
Severity
Moderate to Severe
Elbow arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects the cartilage in the elbow joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The most common types include osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune).
The elbow joint consists of three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) that work together to allow bending and rotation. When arthritis develops, the smooth cartilage that cushions these bones begins to break down, causing bone-on-bone contact and inflammation.
Early Stage Arthritis
Mild joint space narrowing with occasional stiffness and minor pain during activity.
• Morning stiffness lasting 15-30 minutes • Mild pain with overhead activities • Minimal swelling
Moderate Arthritis
Noticeable joint space narrowing with regular pain and stiffness affecting daily activities.
• Pain during and after activity • Reduced range of motion • Visible swelling • Grinding sensation
Advanced Arthritis
Severe joint space loss with constant pain and significant functional limitations.
• Constant pain at rest • Severe stiffness • Marked deformity • Inability to fully extend elbow
1Conservative Management (0-3 months)
- • Anti-inflammatory medications and pain management
- • Activity modification and joint protection techniques
- • Elbow bracing and compression therapy
- • Heat and cold therapy applications
2Advanced Conservative Care (3-6 months)
- • Physical therapy for range of motion and strengthening
- • Corticosteroid injections for inflammation control
- • Occupational therapy for adaptive techniques
- • Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation)
3Surgical Intervention (6+ months)
- • Arthroscopic debridement and loose body removal
- • Osteophyte removal and joint decompression
- • Total elbow replacement for severe cases
- • Post-surgical rehabilitation and recovery
Range of Motion Exercises
- • Elbow Flexion/Extension: Gentle bending and straightening (10-15 reps, 3x daily)
- • Forearm Rotation: Palm up/down movements (10 reps each direction)
- • Wrist Circles: Gentle circular motions to maintain mobility
Strengthening Exercises
- • Isometric Contractions: Muscle activation without joint movement
- • Light Resistance Band: Gentle strengthening with elastic bands
- • Grip Strengthening: Squeeze exercises with stress ball
Joint Protection
- • Warm-up: Always warm joints before exercise
- • Low-impact Activities: Swimming and water exercises
- • Proper Ergonomics: Workplace and home modifications
- • Age over 50 years
- • Previous elbow injuries
- • Repetitive overhead activities
- • Family history of arthritis
- • Rheumatoid arthritis
- • Obesity and metabolic factors
- • Manual labor occupations
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Regular low-impact exercise
- • Proper ergonomics at work
- • Avoid repetitive stress
- • Early treatment of injuries
- • Joint protection techniques
- • Anti-inflammatory diet
- • Sudden severe pain increase
- • Signs of infection (fever, redness)
- • Complete loss of elbow function
- • Numbness or tingling in hand
- • Visible deformity
- • Inability to bear weight on arm
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