Elbow Arthritis
Elbow arthritis is a cause of pain, stiffness and restricted movement in the elbow. Elbow arthritis is uncomfortable and can limit your ability to play sport, lift things and live life to the full. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers a wide range of treatments from leading experts to ease the pain of elbow arthritis, improve your arm movement and restore your quality of life.
Anti-inflammatories, steroid injections and specialist physiotherapy can provide pain relief, ease stiffness and increase your range of movement. However, if conservative measures have not helped, the expert orthopaedic surgeons can operate in the London Orthopaedic Clinic’s state-of-the-art operating theatres. Following surgery, the expert multidisciplinary team will support your full recovery and rehabilitation.
What is elbow arthritis?
Elbow arthritis is a condition in which there is painful inflammation and stiffness in the elbow joint. Arthritis can develop as a result of injury, wear and tear or inflammatory diseases. The most common cause of elbow arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis; however, trauma and osteoarthritis can also cause problems with arthritis in the elbow.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joint lining and progressively narrows the fluid-filled joint space. Osteoarthritis causes progressive damage to the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones and allows them to move smoothly over each other. As the cartilage degenerates, the joint space gets smaller and bone can rub against bone, which is painful and can make bony lumps or spurs form.
Symptoms of elbow arthritis
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness and crackling when you move the elbow. The pain is typically made worse by movements such as bending or straightening the arm. However, the condition can progress over time until pain is present at rest or in bed at night, disturbing sleep.
Elbow arthritis can make the elbow hot and swollen, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. The elbow can feel stiff and movement may be restricted, many people can’t fully straighten or bend their elbow and the joint may catch or lock periodically.
How can the London Orthopaedic Clinic help with elbow arthritis?
The specialist orthopaedic surgeons at the London Orthopaedic Clinic will make a thorough assessment of the health and function of your elbow and the effect your symptoms have on your life.
The specialists will arrange blood tests to exclude inflammatory conditions and investigation by X-ray, MRI or ultrasound in the cutting-edge imaging suite. This will provide more detailed information about the joint, so they can tailor a treatment programme for your needs. This can include:
Why choose the London Orthopaedic Clinic?
The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides high-quality, expert orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care, tailored to the individual needs of our patients. The Clinic is based at King Edward VII’s Hospital, at the heart of London’s internationally renowned Harley Street medical district. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment, management and personalised care.
The expert multi-disciplinary team includes more than 25 leading orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists and radiologists. They work together to reduce pain, improve movement and make a real difference to patients’ lives.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers patients something truly unique: access to world-leading experts, high-tech imaging and the latest innovative treatments, together with the feeling of trust and safety of a small family practice.
Minimally-invasive bunion surgery costs
The investigation and treatment of elbow arthritis at the London Orthopaedic Clinic may be covered by your health insurance policy. Competitive packages are also available for patients who are self-paying. Contact a member of our friendly team on 020 7186 1000 or at info@londonorthopaedic.com to find out more.