Elbow Arthritis Treatments

Symptoms of Elbow Arthritis May Include:

Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the elbow joint, especially during movement or weight-bearing activities.

Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow fully, particularly after periods of inactivity or when waking up in the morning.

Swelling: Visible swelling or tenderness around the elbow joint, often accompanied by warmth to the touch.

Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully extending or flexing the elbow, leading to decreased mobility and functional limitations.

Clicking or Grinding Sensations: Some patients may experience audible or palpable sensations of clicking, popping, or grinding within the elbow joint during movement.

Weakness: In the arm or hand due to pain and reduced function in the affected elbow joint.

Treatment for elbow arthritis typically focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving joint function. This may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical intervention such as elbow joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery. Patients with elbow arthritis should work closely with our orthopedic staff to create an appropriate treatment plan based on their specific medical needs and circumstances.

Medications

Prescription medications can help to reduce your joint pain and swelling and, in the case of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, to prevent damage to your joints. 

• Acetaminophen. Helps relieve pain.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Reduces pain and swelling in your affected joints. Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib. Topical NSAIDs are the first topical treatment of choice for osteoarthritis.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These medications slow the progress of rheumatoid arthritis and relieve symptoms. Examples include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), leflunomide (Arava®).
• Corticosteroids. Can be taken by orally, injected into your muscle or given by IV, these medications reduce inflammation and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Examples include prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone and methylprednisolone.
• Immunosuppressive drugs. These medications slow down the progress of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce damage to bone surrounding the affected joints. Examples include azathioprine and cyclosporine.
• Biologic agents. These medications can slow joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Examples include adalimumab (Humira®), etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), tocilizumab (Actemra®), abatacept (Orencia®), rituximab (Rituxan®).

Steroid injections

Steroids reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Steroids are usually used if medications don’t manage the inflammation or if the inflammation is limited to a few joints. Injections are added directly into the affected joint. 

Other strategies

• Exercises—to strengthen and stretch, reduce symptoms to improve elbow function. One of our hand therapists can work with you to give you the best exercises to help your arthritis.
• Hot and cold packs. Cold can help reduce pain and swelling. Heat can help reduce stiffness.
• Rest. Regular rest periods can help relieve pain and inflammation in your joints.
• Healthy eating and managing other health conditions that affect your arthritis such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
• Weight loss 
• Stop Smoking as it increases the risk of developing arthritis.
• Occupational therapy is offered.

There are several surgical options based on the type and severity of your arthritis and your overall health. Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras Jr., will discuss options & help you decide which is best for you.

The most common surgical procedures are:

• Synovectomy- involving the removal of diseased or damaged lining of the joints
• Osteotomy- is the realignment of the bones in a joint
• Arthroplasty- joint replacement surgery, most common for advanced arthritis

Most surgeries are followed by elbow therapy, which strengthens the muscles and improves function. We also offer this therapy.

Surgery is recommended to our patients with severe symptoms such as pain, swelling, significant sleep interference, muscle weakness, the beginning of joint deformity. If you haven’t had any relief of your symptoms with at least 6-8 weeks of the non-surgical treatment options please contact us.