A Brief Look at Elbow Arthritis and Treatment Options

 A fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Ian B. Lawson is an established Washington orthopedic surgeon with a background in his field extending more than two decades. From 2000 to 2009, Ian B. Lawson, MD, maintained a private practice, Mountain Orthopedic Specialists, where he treated patients with elbow injuries.

Elbow arthritis is a common injury that results from worn-out or damaged cartilage from repetitive activities, aging, dislocation, and fracture. Signs and symptoms of elbow arthritis include elbow swelling, stiffness, elbow pain and redness, and tenderness of the elbow joint. Doctors often combine medical history with a physical elbow examination to diagnose the condition. Sometimes doctors order imaging tests like MRIs or X-rays to aid in diagnosis.

There are ample treatment options for elbow arthritis, including prescription anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, cold therapy, and heat therapy for arthritis. Doctors align treatment plans with patients' needs and goals and leave surgery as a last resort. Some orthopedic surgeons offer minimally invasive surgery for elbow arthritis.