Elbow Osteoarthritis
Elbow osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the elbow joint wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It is most commonly caused by normal wear and tear due to aging, but can also be caused by injury or overuse.
Some common symptoms of elbow osteoarthritis include:
- Pain or stiffness in the elbow joint
- Reduced range of motion in the elbow
- Swelling or tenderness in the elbow joint
- A grinding sensation or audible clicking sound in the elbow joint
- Weakness in the arm or difficulty gripping objects
To help alleviate symptoms of elbow osteoarthritis, a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath may recommend a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle modifications. They may also recommend medications or corticosteroid injections to manage pain and inflammation.
Some of the best exercises for elbow osteoarthritis include:
- Elbow range of motion exercises – Gently moving the elbow joint through its full range of motion to help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Wrist curls – Holding a weight in the hand and performing wrist curls to help strengthen the muscles of the forearm, which can help support the elbow joint.
- Tricep extensions – Using a resistance band or weight to perform tricep extensions can help strengthen the muscles in the back of the arm and support the elbow joint.
- Bicep curls – Using a weight to perform bicep curls can help strengthen the muscles in the front of the arm and support the elbow joint.
- Grip strength exercises – Squeezing a hand gripper or performing finger extensions with a rubber band can help improve grip strength, which can be compromised with elbow osteoarthritis.
