Elbow osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in the elbow joint begins to wear away. Do you probably suffer from osteoarthritis? At Medical Center Jan van Goyen in Amsterdam you can quickly receive a diagnosis and treatment by our specialists.
What is osteoarthritis of the elbow?
The elbow consists of a number of joints. There is a layer of tissue between each joint. This tissue is called cartilage. With osteoarthritis in the elbow, the cartilage wears out and small pieces of bone sometimes grow in parts of the joint. This makes it harder for you to move your elbow.
Complaints of osteoarthritis of the elbow
If you suffer from elbow osteoarthritis, you may experience one or more of the following complaints:
• Pain and stiffness: Common complaints of elbow osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after a period of rest. This can make it difficult to bend or straighten your arm.
• Swelling: Swelling in the elbow can make it difficult to fully use the arm.
• Heat in the elbow: Your elbow may feel warm
• Movement restrictions: It becomes more difficult to bend, straighten or rotate the arm.
The severity of the complaints can vary from person to person.
How does osteoarthritis develop?
Osteoarthritis is usually caused by a combination of factors. Here are some common causes:
• Sex: Women generally have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause due to hormonal changes.
• Age: As we get older, the risk of osteoarthritis increases due to the deterioration of the cartilage.
• Previous injuries: Injury to a joint can damage the cartilage and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Long-term heavy load: Activities that repeatedly put pressure on the joints, such as heavy lifting or repetitive movements, can contribute to the wear and tear of the cartilage.
• Genetic predisposition: Some people have naturally weaker cartilage or a hereditary predisposition to developing osteoarthritis.
Although these factors can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, it can also occur in people without known risk factors.
How do you know if you have elbow osteoarthritis?
If you suspect that you suffer from osteoarthritis of the elbow, contact your GP. The GP will discuss your complaints with you and examine your elbow. Depending on the outcome of this physical examination, the GP will examine you further or refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. Would you like to be helped by one of our orthopedic surgeons? Then you can indicate that you want to be referred to Medical Center Jan van Goyen.
The GP or orthopedic surgeon can have x-rays taken. Cartilage cannot be seen on an X-ray, but a photo does show the distance between the bone parts. If they are too close together, this may mean that the cartilage is thin or even missing. It can also be seen whether there are bone protrusions.
What should you not do with elbow osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can have a significant impact on your daily life, especially when it affects your elbows. It is important to know which activities you should avoid to prevent worsening of the complaints:
Overload: Avoid strenuous physical activities that put extra strain on the elbow, such as heavy lifting.
Uncontrolled use of painkillers: The long-term use of certain painkillers without medical advice can be harmful.
What can you do if you have elbow osteoarthritis?
Although elbow osteoarthritis can be limiting, there are several things you can do to relieve symptoms and maintain your mobility. Here are some recommendations:
• Keep moving your elbow: This reduces pain and stiffness and ensures that your complaints do not get worse.
• Exercises and physiotherapy: Specific exercises can strengthen the muscles around the elbow. A physiotherapist can help you with this.
• Peace: If you are in a lot of pain, get enough rest and cool or warm the elbow with an ice pack or hot water bottle.
Treatment of osteoarthritis in the elbow
The treatment for elbow osteoarthritis varies depending on the severity of the condition and your needs. Some common treatment options include:
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help to reduce your osteoarthritis symptoms. A physiotherapist tells you what you can and cannot do. The physiotherapist can also help you improve your posture.
Injection: In addition to physiotherapy, an injection of painkillers and anti-inflammatories can sometimes help. This injection usually works for a few months. Your doctor will discuss with you whether this is an option for you.
Operation with an orthopedic surgeon: If physiotherapy and injections do not help with recovery, the doctor will discuss with you whether keyhole surgery is necessary. Another name for keyhole surgery is arthroscopy.
Do you suffer from osteoarthritis of the elbow?
Our team of orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists are happy to help you relieve your pain and improve your mobility. Treatment at Medical Center Jan van Goyen has several advantages:
✓ Short waiting times
On average, you can contact us for your first consultation within 1 week. We believe it is important that you do not suffer from complaints for an unnecessarily long time. We therefore do our best to ensure that your first consultation takes place as quickly as possible. You can then also contact us for treatment at very short notice.
✓ Close collaboration with OLVG
Our doctors work closely with OLVG doctors, because we are a subsidiary of OLVG. This collaboration allows us to always offer you the right care in the right place.
✓ You always see the same doctor
We strive to have every appointment with the same doctor. He or she will create a personal treatment plan tailored to you.
✓ Reimbursed by your health insurer
Jan van Goyen Medical Center collaborates with OLVG and has agreements with almost all health insurers. Most of the treatments we perform are reimbursed by your health insurer. However, we advise you to check with your insurance company in advance whether treatment will be reimbursed. To be eligible for reimbursem*nt, you always need a referral from your doctor or GP.
You are in good hands with us for the treatment of elbow osteoarthritis.
Please contact us
Do you have questions about the treatment of osteoarthritis in our medical center? Please contact us by calling 020 305 5817 or fill in the contact form. Do you already have a referral? Then we can help you at short notice.
Book an appointment
If your GP refers you to our medical centre, we will contact you to make an appointment. You can also schedule your appointment yourself via this form. Have your Zorgdomein (ZD) number at hand. You will find this on the letter or confirmation you received from Zorgdomein.
