Osteoarthritis of the Elbow Joint

Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced function in the elbow. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the elbow joint wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact and inflammation. This can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, and can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint is more common in older adults, but can also occur in younger people who have experienced injury or trauma to the joint.

Causes of Osteoarthritis of the Elbow Joint

The exact cause of osteoarthritis of the elbow joint is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of factors. Here are some possible causes of osteoarthritis of the elbow joint:

Age: As people age, the cartilage in their joints naturally begins to wear down, which can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Overuse: Repetitive movements, such as those performed by athletes or workers in certain occupations, can put excessive stress on the elbow joint and lead to wear and tear of the joint.

Previous injury or trauma: Injuries to the elbow joint, such as fractures or dislocations, can damage the cartilage and lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing osteoarthritis, particularly if there is a family history of the condition.

Obesity: Being overweight can put added stress on the joints, including the elbow joint, and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Elbow Joint

The signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the elbow joint can vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include:

• Pain: Pain in the elbow joint is a common symptom of osteoarthritis. The pain may be mild to severe and can be aggravated by activities that involve the use of the elbow, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting.
• Stiffness: The elbow joint may feel stiff, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Limited range of motion: Reduced mobility in the elbow joint can make it difficult to perform certain activities, such as reaching or bending.
• Swelling: The joint may become swollen, particularly after activity or prolonged use.
• Crunching or grinding sensation: You may feel a crunching or grinding sensation when you move your elbow.
• Weakness: Weakness in the arm or difficulty gripping objects may also be a symptom of osteoarthritis of the elbow joint.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Elbow Joint

Physiotherapy can be a helpful treatment for osteoarthritis of the elbow joint. The goals of physiotherapy for this condition are to reduce pain and stiffness, increase range of motion and flexibility, and improve overall function. Here are some common physiotherapy treatments for osteoarthritis of the elbow joint:

Exercise: Specific exercises can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the elbow joint. Your physiotherapist can recommend exercises that are appropriate for your individual needs.

Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization or soft tissue massage, can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the elbow joint.

Hot and cold therapy: Hot or cold packs can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the elbow joint.

Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), can be used to reduce pain and improve muscle strength.

Assistive devices: Your physiotherapist may recommend the use of assistive devices, such as a brace or splint, to help support the elbow joint and reduce pain.

Patient education: Your physiotherapist can provide education on how to manage your symptoms, including advice on activity modification, ergonomics, and home exercises.

Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for osteoarthritis of the elbow joint, helping to improve function and reduce pain and stiffness.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a therapist about osteoarthritis of the elbow joint please call us at 03 9836 1126.

Reference:

Zhang, Y., Xu, L., Xu, C., & Liu, Y. (2019). Effects of physiotherapy on patients with osteoarthritis of the elbow joint: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation