Elbow Arthritis

Overview

Elbow arthritis is inflammation or wear of the elbow joint that leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the arm. The elbow is a hinge joint that lets you bend and straighten the arm and rotate the forearm, so arthritis here can affect many everyday tasks like lifting, reaching, and carrying.

Arthritis of the elbow is less common than arthritis in weight-bearing joints like the knee or hip. It can result from gradual wear (osteoarthritis), from an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, or from a previous injury to the joint. Treatment aims to reduce pain, maintain movement, and preserve the use of the arm.

The impact of elbow arthritis can range from a mild nuisance to a significant limitation in daily life, depending on the type and how far it has progressed. Identifying the underlying type of arthritis matters, because inflammatory forms such as rheumatoid arthritis are treated differently from wear-related osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

• Pain in the elbow, often worse with movement or use
• Stiffness and a reduced range of motion
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the arm
• Swelling around the joint
• A grinding, locking, or catching sensation
• Weakness in the arm or grip
• Numbness or tingling if swelling presses on a nearby nerve

Symptoms may come and go early on and tend to become more constant as the joint changes progress.

Many people first notice difficulty with everyday tasks that require bending or straightening the arm, such as carrying bags, reaching overhead, or turning a doorknob. Symptoms may be worse first thing in the morning or after a period of rest.

Causes

Several types of arthritis can affect the elbow:

• Osteoarthritis: Gradual wearing away of the smooth cartilage that cushions the joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system inflames the joint lining, often affecting both elbows.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint damage after a fracture, dislocation, or other injury to the elbow.
• Other inflammatory conditions: Such as gout or other types of inflammatory arthritis.

Risk Factors

• Previous elbow injury, fracture, or dislocation
• Repetitive or heavy use of the arm at work or in sports
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disease
• Older age
• Family history of arthritis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis combines examination with imaging and sometimes blood tests:

• Physical examination: Checking range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and stability.
• X-rays: To look for cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint narrowing.
• Blood tests: To check for rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory causes.
• MRI or CT: Sometimes used for a more detailed view of the joint.

The doctor may also ask whether other joints are affected, since involvement of several joints can point toward an inflammatory cause rather than wear-related osteoarthritis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis and focuses on relieving pain and keeping the joint working.

• Activity changes: Modifying tasks that strain the elbow.
• Medicines: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs; disease-modifying medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Physical therapy: Exercises to maintain motion and strength.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in some cases.
• Surgery: Options such as removing bone spurs, joint cleaning, or joint replacement for severe, disabling arthritis.

Many people manage symptoms well with nonsurgical care, especially when treatment starts early.

Simple measures at home, such as using larger-handled tools, pacing demanding tasks, and applying heat or cold, can ease symptoms alongside medical treatment. For inflammatory arthritis, starting disease-modifying treatment early can protect the joint and reduce long-term damage.

Prevention

• Protect the elbow during sports and activities to avoid injury
• Treat elbow injuries properly to reduce later arthritis
• Maintain strength and flexibility in the arm
• Manage inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis under medical care
• Avoid repetitive overuse where possible

Staying active within comfortable limits helps keep the joint moving and the surrounding muscles strong, which can support the elbow and ease symptoms over time.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you have elbow pain, stiffness, or swelling that lasts, limits your activities, or keeps returning. Seek prompt care for:

• Sudden severe pain or inability to move the elbow
• A joint that is hot, red, and swollen, possibly with fever
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand
• Elbow problems after a fall or injury

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Arthritis of the Elbow.
2. Mayo Clinic. Arthritis.
3. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Arthritis.
4. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Elbow injuries and disorders.