How is elbow osteoarthritis treated?

Arthritis can make the elbow painful, stiff or difficult to fully bend and straighten. A clinician considers your movement, strength, work or sport demands, previous injuries and imaging findings before choosing a plan. Treatment usually begins by reducing activities that repeatedly load the joint while keeping the arm gently moving.

Physiotherapy can maintain flexibility, improve the muscles that support the elbow and teach ways to lift or reach with less strain. Pain medicines may be discussed according to your health history. A cortisone injection can sometimes provide short-term relief for an irritated joint, but it does not rebuild damaged cartilage.

Use the affected arm within a comfortable range, take breaks from repetitive gripping or pushing, and follow an exercise plan rather than resting the joint completely. A physiotherapist may progress stretching, strengthening and practical movement training gradually.

If loose bone or tissue is blocking movement, elbow arthroscopy may be considered to inspect or treat the joint. Severe pain and loss of function despite non-surgical care may lead to a discussion about elbow replacement. These decisions depend on examination findings and your goals.

Arrange an assessment if elbow pain or stiffness is limiting dressing, work, sleep or ordinary reaching, or if symptoms keep returning. Seek prompt medical care after an injury that causes visible deformity, sudden inability to move the elbow, marked swelling, numbness or a cold hand.

Which movements are aggravating my joint, and what should I continue doing? Would physiotherapy or an injection suit my symptoms? What findings would make arthroscopy or elbow replacement worth discussing?