Elbow Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Treatment
Elbow arthritis develops when the protective cartilage lining the joint wears down or becomes inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a progressive loss of range of motion that can affect everything from lifting and gripping to basic arm movements. While osteoarthritis — the most common form — results from cumulative wear and tear over time, elbow arthritis can also stem from prior injuries, repetitive overhead or throwing motions, rheumatoid or inflammatory conditions, or post-traumatic changes following a fracture or dislocation. Because the elbow is a complex hinge joint that relies on precise alignment between three bones, even modest cartilage loss can significantly impact function. An accurate diagnosis and early, targeted treatment are essential for slowing progression and preserving as much natural elbow function as possible, regardless of the underlying elbow condition.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with over 30 years of specialized experience treating degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions. An early adopter of biologic therapies and joint preservation techniques, he offers a full spectrum of elbow arthritis treatments — from advanced injection therapies and activity modification protocols to arthroscopic debridement and surgical intervention when conservative measures are no longer effective. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, Dr. Glashow routinely manages joint wear in high-demand athletes and applies those same evidence-based strategies to patients at every activity level. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000, he provides comprehensive elbow arthritis care at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
Symptoms and Causes of Elbow Arthritis
Any joint can succumb to the inflammation of arthritis, including the elbow joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, although there are over 100 different varieties of this joint condition. Symptoms of elbow osteoarthritis include:
- Swelling
- Stiffness when bending the elbow
- Pain
- Difficulty lifting with the arm
- Grating or scraping sensation in the joint
Elbow osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that is caused by wear and tear on the joint. The elbow is one of the less likely joints to succumb to wear and tear on the joint that causes osteoarthritis, but it does occur. Those who have had elbow injuries or perform routine strenuous arm movements with the elbow are at a higher risk for osteoarthritis.
Getting x-rays, a physical examination and other tests can diagnose or confirm elbow arthritis. Our orthopedic specialists evaluate the extent of the elbow joint inflammation and cartilage loss to determine the best elbow arthritis and osteoarthritis treatment. While there is not a cure for arthritis, our advanced treatments can reduce the progression and offer pain relief for patients. In severe cases, surgical treatment for elbow arthritis may be recommended for pain relief and restored function.
If you have elbow stiffness and pain, contact Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine in UES New York City to schedule your evaluation for elbow arthritis. We specialize in resolving painful joint injuries and conditions to help patients function at the highest level. We offer the most advanced options to relieve elbow pain and restore function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elbow Arthritis
What is the difference between elbow arthritis and elbow osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses over 100 different conditions causing joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and results from gradual wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joint. Other forms — such as rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis — involve autoimmune responses or develop after a prior injury. Dr. Glashow evaluates the specific type and severity of arthritis affecting each patient’s elbow to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
What are the early signs of elbow arthritis?
Early symptoms often include stiffness when bending or straightening the arm — particularly first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity — along with a dull ache in the joint, mild swelling, and a grating or catching sensation during movement. As the condition progresses, patients may notice increasing difficulty with lifting, gripping, or fully extending the arm. Seeking evaluation at the first sign of persistent symptoms gives Dr. Glashow the best opportunity to slow progression and preserve joint function.
Can elbow arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients with mild to moderate elbow arthritis respond well to non-surgical treatments, which may include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy to maintain range of motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles, activity modification, and biologic therapies such as bone marrow concentrate. Dr. Glashow takes a conservative-first approach and exhausts non-surgical options before recommending any procedural intervention.
When is surgery recommended for elbow arthritis?
Surgical treatment is typically considered when conservative therapies have not provided adequate pain relief or functional improvement, or when imaging reveals significant cartilage loss, loose bodies within the joint, or bone spur formation that mechanically blocks movement. Depending on the severity, Dr. Glashow may recommend arthroscopic debridement to remove damaged tissue and loose fragments, or in advanced cases, discuss joint replacement options. The goal is always to preserve as much natural joint function as possible for as long as possible.
Is elbow arthritis common in athletes?
While elbow osteoarthritis is less common overall than arthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder, it occurs at higher rates in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead or throwing motions — including baseball players, tennis players, manual laborers, and weightlifters. Post-traumatic arthritis is also a concern for athletes who have previously sustained an elbow fracture or dislocation. Dr. Glashow’s extensive experience with professional hockey and basketball players gives him a deep understanding of how to manage arthritis in high-demand joints while helping patients maintain their activity levels.
What happens if elbow arthritis is left untreated?
Without treatment, elbow arthritis tends to progress over time. Cartilage continues to wear down, bone spurs may develop, loose bodies can form within the joint, and the resulting inflammation often leads to increasing pain, stiffness, and functional limitation. In advanced stages, the joint may lose significant range of motion and the surrounding muscles can weaken from disuse. Early intervention — even with conservative measures — is one of the most effective ways to slow this progression and maintain long-term joint health.
