Elbow Condition Guide

Elbow Arthritis

Cartilage damage, bone spurs, or loose bodies in the elbow can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement.

Understanding Elbow Arthritis

Elbow arthritis can develop after injury, repetitive use, or degenerative change. Damage to the joint cartilage may be accompanied by bone spurs or loose bodies. Pain at the end of bending or straightening, reduced motion, catching, or locking can occur.

Bone spurs, loose bodies, and joint-space changes on X-ray
Range of elbow bending and straightening and pain at the end of motion
Swelling, catching, or locking symptoms
Elbow arthritis X-ray with arrows identifying a bone spur and a loose body inside the joint

Treatment Direction

Assessing the Joint

Examination and X-rays are used to assess joint space, bone spurs, loose bodies, and the degree of motion loss.

Nonsurgical Pain Control

Activity adjustment, medication, physical therapy, and injections may reduce pain and help preserve useful motion.

Assessing the Need for Surgery

Arthroscopic treatment may be considered when large loose bodies or bone spurs cause repeated locking or severe motion restriction.

Notice

A treatment plan is not determined by the condition name alone. Examination findings, imaging, movement, and daily limitations are considered together.

Do not put off persistent pain. Have it checked.

Our staff can guide you during clinic hours. Call us if you have questions before your visit.

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