Elbow Specialist in San Antonio for Arthritis & Joint Pain
What is ELbow Arthritis?
Elbow arthritis, sometimes called cubital arthritis, happens when the joint in your elbow becomes inflamed and starts to wear down. The elbow is made up of three bones — the humerus (upper arm), ulna, and radius (forearm bones). These bones are normally cushioned by smooth cartilage that helps the joint move easily and without pain.
types of elbow arthritis
Elbow arthritis can develop in several forms. Each type has different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. The three most common types are:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis and is often related to wear and tear of the cartilage over time. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones in the elbow can begin to rub against each other. This causes:
Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Loss of smooth joint movement
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (called the synovium). This leads to:
Ongoing inflammation
Pain and swelling
Joint deformity over time
Damage to both cartilage and bone in the elbow
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This form of arthritis develops after an injury, such as a fracture or dislocation of the elbow. Even if the injury heals, it can still lead to:
Long-term joint damage
Cartilage wear
Chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling
A poorly healed elbow injury can increase the chances of developing post-traumatic arthritis later in life.
common symptoms of elbow arthritis
Your symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis affecting your elbow. However, common signs to watch for include:
Pain in the elbow, especially with movement
Stiffness or difficulty bending and straightening the arm
Swelling around the joint
A grating or locking sensation during movement
Limited range of motion
A feeling of weakness or instability in the arm
The main goals of treating elbow arthritis are to relieve pain, improve joint movement, and slow or prevent further damage to the elbow. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
What are my treatment options f0r elbow arthritis?
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Corticosteroid Injections
Pain-Relieving Medications.
Physical Therapy.
Range of Motion Exercises.
Bracing/ Splinting.
Ice Therapy.
Joint Protection Techniques.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Arthroscopic Debridement
Osteotomy
Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Treatment for elbow arthritis depends on several factors, including how severe your symptoms are, how much the condition affects your daily life, and your overall health and goals.
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional, preferably an orthopedic elbow specialist. They can evaluate your condition and help create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
why come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your elbow Arthritis?
When you visit us at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, you will find a fine-tuned team ready to take care of you. Your physicians have over 100 years of collective experience and represent multiple generations and training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeons, you may meet one of our hand surgery fellows. Each fellow is a fully trained orthopaedic or plastic surgeon who has completed 5 to 7 years of surgical training after graduation from medical school and has chosen to spend an additional year in training to study hand surgery. In addition to the physicians, you will meet various staff members. From the front desk staff and Medical Assistants (MA’s) to the x-ray and cast technicians, each is committed to taking care of you.
Frequently Asked Questions About elbow arthritis
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Elbow arthritis can develop due to age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or past injuries such as fractures or dislocations.
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Common signs of elbow arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. An orthopedic specialist can diagnose the exact cause of your symptoms.
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Not at all. Many patients find relief through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and joint injections. Surgery is typically considered only if other options don’t help.
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If elbow pain interferes with your daily life or doesn’t improve with rest, it’s a good idea to consult an orthopedic specialist for evaluation and treatment.
Meet Our Physicians
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David P. Green, M.D.
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Mark Bagg, M.D.
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David W. Person, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Ramesh C. Srinivasan, M.D.
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Kunj Desai, M.D., F.A.C.S.
ELBOW RELATED ISSUES WE CAN HELP WITH
Elbow Pain
Elbow Fractures
Elbow Dislocations
Elbow Stiffness
Heterotopic Ossification
check out our latest blog posts regarding Elbow injuries
Did you know we offer in-house therapy?
Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
