Arthritis is a common health condition that is associated with joint pain and inflammation and it can affect any joint of the body. Often noted that ageing is a very common cause of arthritis however there are several other causes that give birth to several types of arthritis. Elbow arthritis is a debilitating condition characterised by inflammation of the elbow joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and diminished mobility. Elbow arthritis is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage of the elbow and causes pain, inflammation, redness, swelling, and restricted movement. The various types of elbow arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, and Psoriatic Arthritis.
What are the Potential Causes of Elbow Arthritis?
The following conditions may lead to Elbow Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
- Sequelae of Chronic infections like tuberculosis
Watch Out for the Symptoms of Elbow Arthritis:
Below are some of the common symptoms of elbow arthritis.
- Joint Pain
- Stiffness in the muscle
- Tenderness
- Crepitus or grinding sensation
- Difficulty in performing day-to-day activities
Probable Course of Treatment:
Elbow arthritis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the elbow joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can be caused by various factors such as wear and tear, injury, or underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Managing elbow arthritis involves a combination of conservative treatments aimed at relieving symptoms and improving joint function, while surgical options may be considered for severe cases.
- Pain Management
- Activity Modification
- Physical Therapy
- Joint Protection
- Intra-articular Injections
- Heat and Cold Therapy
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Surgical intervention like arthroscopic debridement for removal of loose bodies and synovium will help in the early stages only, as total elbow joint replacement surgery for is the treatment of choice for moderate to severe arthritis. This is done to relieve the pain and regain functional activity.
Dr Banarji’s expertise for elbow arthritis:
As an expert orthopaedic specialist, Dr Banarji can easily diagnose and determine the appropriate course of treatment based on the patient’s overall medical condition, age, and lifestyle. For a condition like elbow arthritis, the doctor may suggest nonsurgical treatments before considering surgical options.
Nonsurgical treatments for elbow pain can include using a forearm or elbow brace, receiving injections, undergoing occupational or physical therapy, taking medication, and getting adequate rest. After consultation with Dr Banarji, if the elbow arthritis requires a surgical treatment then he may recommend arthroscopy, synovectomy, or joint replacement depending on the patient’s conditions and needs.
