Arthritis treatment is known for being effective in reducing the pain associated with elbow arthritis. Arthritis is a condition weakening the cartilage lining of the elbow joint and inflicting a great deal of pain on individuals affected.
The three most common types of arthritis in the elbow are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
Elbow Arthritis Symptoms
Inflammation causes elbow joints to feel warm and sensitive to touch. Symptoms of elbow arthritis can include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Although symptoms can vary from person to person, almost all arthritis symptoms include the following:
- Deep pain in the elbow increased during movement or lifting
- Problems bending or extending the elbow
- Locking of the joint with bending
Causes of Elbow Arthritis
Although the exact reason for arthritis in the elbow is unknown, inflammation highly contributes to weakening of the cartilage between bones and joints. Arthritis may also be linked to genetic factors with family members passing down the condition. In some cases post-traumatic arthritis occurs when there is damage to the arthritis after an accident.
Best Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis treatment will result in patients being able to restore function in their elbow, reduce pain, and prevent further destruction of the cartilage.
Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Lubrication injections
- Braces or splints
Surgical Arthritis Treatments
Depending on your unique individual needs, there are different types of surgeries that can be conducted in order to treat elbow arthritis.
Arthroscopic surgery: This procedure is only minimally invasive with smaller incisions being made in the elbow in order to remove the loose cartilage, inflamed tissue, and bone spurs.
Joint debridement: This procedure is minimally invasive like arthroscopic surgery, however, it allows for more tissue to be removed from the front and back of the elbow. This serves as a beneficial arthritis treatment especially for those with painful symptoms and significant loss of elbow function.
Joint replacement: Joint replacement is an arthritis treatment best suited for individuals over the age of 60 with rheumatoid arthritis or low physical need of the elbow. This process will replace the elbow and help individuals attain pain relief, motion, and restored function of the elbow. The surgeon will remove the ruined part of the joint and replace it with a two-piece prosthesis consisting of metal and high density plastic. Rods will attach the prosthesis so that it will look like a natural elbow allowing for all these functions (flexion, extensions).
Effective Elbow Arthritis Treatment Provider
With over two decades of experience in the field, Dr. Howard Marans is renowned as a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon practicing in the Orange County area. His approach to elbow pain treatment focuses on catering to the personal needs of each individual patient to ensure a lasting recovery.
Dr. Howard Marans is highly qualified to address every patient’s treatment needs. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Marans, click the icon below and enter your information online – or – call 714.979.8981.