Elbow osteoarthritis
Wear of the elbow joint causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Overview
Elbow osteoarthritis is wear of the joint surfaces, often after previous injury or in people with high occupational demands. It causes pain, stiffness and sometimes locking. Exercise and load management help maintain function.
Symptoms
- Elbow pain and stiffness
- Reduced range, especially straightening
- Grinding or catching with movement
- Sometimes locking from loose fragments
Causes
- Previous elbow injury
- Heavy occupational or sporting loads
- Age-related cartilage wear
Treatment
- Range-of-motion and strengthening exercise
- Activity modification and pain management
- Injection for symptom relief
- Surgical opinion for locking or advanced disease