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What are the symptoms of Elbow arthritis?
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May 27, 2024 · Elbow Arthritis Symptoms. You may notice: Swelling; Stiffness; Pain; A clicking or snapping feeling; Symptoms that are worse on the outside of the joint; More pain when you rotate or extend...
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- Overview
- Possible elbow arthritis symptoms
- Types
- Diagnosis
- Treatment options
- Exercises
- Other causes of elbow pain
- Summary
Elbow arthritis occurs due to wear and tear or damage to the cartilage in the elbow. This damage may be due to overuse that comes with age, repetitive activities, or an injury, such as a fracture.
Arthritis is a painful and relatively common condition. It causes joint pain and swelling in people of any age. However, it is most common in individuals as they become older. An estimated 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a diagnosis of arthritis.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and it can occur in any joint within the body, including the elbow.
In this article, we examine elbow arthritis. We discuss the symptoms and types of elbow arthritis and how doctors diagnose and treat it. We also explore the other possible causes of elbow pain.
Pain
Pain in the elbow may be the first sign of elbow arthritis. The pain is present in the joint, which indicates its association with arthritis. The pain varies depending on the type of arthritis and may worsen with physical activity and over time. A 2016 study found that arthritis pain had a negative effect on a person’s ability to carry out activities that they value and enjoy.
Swelling
Some forms, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, involve the breaking down of cartilage from the joints. Cartilage is the tissue covering the end of the bones that come together in the joint, allowing them to move freely. When this cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub together, causing a buildup of fluid that results in swelling. However, swelling does not occur in all forms of arthritis.
Stiffness and limited range of motion
Stiffness of the joint is a common symptom of arthritis. The joint cannot move as easily as before, resulting in stiffness and a limited range of motion.
The following types of arthritis affect the elbow:
•Rheumatoid arthritis: This chronic inflammatory condition affects various joints on both sides of the body. It often works symmetrically, so it will usually affect both elbows.
•Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It causes cartilage to break down, resulting in the bones rubbing together. The cause of elbow osteoarthritis may be an injury or overuse of the joint.
•Juvenile arthritis: This is a type of arthritis affecting children under the age of 16 years. It can affect various joints, including the elbow, but health experts do not know what causes the condition.
A doctor will discuss a person’s symptoms, medical history, and family medical history to help diagnose elbow arthritis.
Healthcare professionals may also perform a physical examination to evaluate a person’s:
•pain
•movement abilities
•swelling
•elbow stiffness
If a person receives a diagnosis of elbow arthritis, a doctor will initially recommend the following pain management approaches:
•over-the-counter pain (OTC) medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
•heat therapy
•ice packs
•gentle exercise
If OTC medications do not work to manage the pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers.
Elbow bend
1.While standing, place both arms by the sides. A person could add a light weight. 2.Bend one elbow and slowly bring the hand up to the shoulder, holding it there for 10 seconds. 3.Return the arm slowly back to the side and repeat 10 times.
Wrist lifts
1.While sitting or standing, bend the elbow at a right angle. 2.Holding a light weight, bend the wrist slowly toward the body and slowly release. 3.Repeat 10 times, twice a day.
Wrist flex
1.Hold one arm straight out, pointing the palm downward. 2.Gently bend the wrist downward and use the other hand to press the stretched hand back toward the body. 3.Hold for 30 seconds, then stretch the wrist back out again. 4.Bend the hand toward the body, using the other hand to keep it in place. 5.Hold for 30 seconds.
Elbow pain may not always indicate elbow arthritis.
Other conditions which may cause elbow pain include:
•tendonitis
•bursitis
•lupus
•fractures
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. The elbow can develop arthritis, and various forms of the condition exist.
A person may be able to treat arthritis at home with OTC medications and home remedies, including heat packs, ice, physical therapy exercises, and splints.
- Suzy Davenport
Common causes of elbow and arm pain. Main symptoms. Possible cause. Pain on the outside of the elbow, difficulty to fully extend the arm. Tennis elbow. Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty moving the affected area. Tendonitis or bursitis. Pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling. Sprains and strains.
Symptoms of arthritis. There are lots of different types of arthritis. The symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type you have. This is why it's important to have an accurate diagnosis if you have: joint pain, tenderness and stiffness; inflammation in and around the joints; restricted movement of the joints; warm red skin over the ...
The most common symptoms of elbow arthritis are: Pain; Loss of range of motion; These symptoms may not occur at the same time. Patients usually report a grating or locking sensation in the elbow. The grating is due to loss of the normal smooth joint surface. This is caused by cartilage damage or wear.
Oct 17, 2023 · During the early stages of elbow arthritis symptoms, you may notice pain with activity. You may also notice that your elbow feels stiff or becomes harder to move. You may experience a locking sensation, says Dr. Wolters. In later stages, you may see swelling, and even have periodic numbness in some of your fingers.
Feb 3, 2024 · Elbow Arthritis is degenerative joint disease of the elbow that can be broken into three main types: osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Diagnosis can be made with plain radiographs of the elbow.
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