Elbow osteoarthritis is a natural degenerative process where the cartilage that spaces a joint start to change and over time thin, meaning the bones gets closer together, and can occur in any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis is a part of the normal ageing process and is most commonly seen in people over the age of 40.
Elbow Osteoarthritis can also be caused by injury, your occupation or your sporting hobbies. For example jobs which include repetitive use of your hands/arm such as painting and decorating, or racquet sports such as tennis and badminton. Past injury/trauma to your elbow such as a fracture, dislocation, infection can also influence osteoarthritis.
The most common symptoms of elbow OA are:
- Limited function in daily tasks
- Pain
- Reduced movement of the elbow joint
- Pain is worse with or after activity
- Stiffness worse with inactivity
- Symptoms can flare or settle with changing seasons
Diagnosis is usually made from a consultation with your Health Care Professional, involving a detailed history of the onset of symptoms, current pattern of symptoms and your current functional ability.
An X-Ray is generally not needed to confirm osteoarthritis. One may be performed if the Health Care Professional needs further information to finalise the diagnosis or if surgery is being considered.
The primary aim of treatment is to help manage your pain. This allows you to move more and help you return to normal activities sooner. Initial treatment therefore is aimed at pain control. This might involve pain medication, or the use of heat or cold treatments.
Once your pain is under control, working on the movement and strength of your elbow is what will help long term.
You can help to reduce pain, ease stiffness, strengthen your muscles and improve overall general fitness by keeping active. Below are some basic exercises specific to your elbow to get you started.
It is normal to experience some discomfort when doing exercises, and individuals may start at different points. Pain should not increase excessively during or immediately after the activity. Discomfort should return to pre-activity levels 24-48 hours after the activity has finished.
The number (reps) and frequency (sets) of exercises suggested here are a guide, and should be performed to your personal tolerable pain levels. This means repetitions will vary between individuals and you should only go as far as is reasonably comfortable for you.
AROM forearm pronation/supination
Sit up straight with your forearm resting on a table. Try to turn your palm to face upwards. Then try to turn your palm to face down. Continue this movement. It is important the movement only comes from your forearm, so ensure you do not allow your upper arm or body to twist.
Standing Elbow Flexion/Extension
Stand. Bend your elbow and then straighten your elbow.
You should see your doctor if you:
- Have pain that doesn’t show any signs of improvement, within a couple of weeks of self help
- Have pain that has rapidly deteriorated or suddenly worsened despite self help
- Have a history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, Tuberculosis (TB), drug abuse, AIDS or other infection
- Feel unwell, have a fever, or unexplained weight loss
- Are experiencing significant and regular changes to your usual sleeping pattern
- Have a swollen, locked or stuck elbow that is affecting your movement
- You have severe pain after trauma, such as a fall, collision, or impact to the elbow or arm
- Have significant tingling, numbness and /or weakness in the arms or hands
- Have noticed a loss of grip strength, noticed you are dropping things, struggle with buttons or zips, or have muscle wastage in the hand
If you do not have any of the above, you may be able to effectively self manage your condition