What is Rheumatoid Elbow?
Rheumatoid elbow is a chronic, progressive type of arthritis characterized by swelling and inflammation of the joint lining of the elbow. It can cause permanent damage to the elbow joint and even change its shape.
The elbow is a complex joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm comprising three bones connected by several tendons and ligaments. It is lined by synovial tissue, that lubricates the joint.
Causes of Rheumatoid Elbow
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system which attacks the synovial tissue causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in and around the joint. The swelling can result in reduced mobility in the elbow joint and also can damage the synovial tissue that prevents the bones of the joint from rubbing together. This can lead to bone erosion in the elbow joint.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Elbow
Symptoms of the rheumatoid elbow condition includes the following:
- Pain while lifting the objects or straining the elbow
- Pain often worsens over time or you may only notice the pain at certain times of day, such as in the morning when waking up
- Persistent throbbing pain in the elbow, even when at rest
- Elbow stiffness with bending and flexion actions
- Decreased range of motion and stiffness
- Change in shape of the elbow
- Catching or locking in the elbow joint
- Grinding, popping or cracking of the elbow joint
- Warmth and redness in the elbow joint
- Swelling in the elbow
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the forearm or arm
- Rheumatoid nodules (small painless lumps) that appear just below the surface of the skin
- Weakness in the forearm and arm
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Elbow
Rheumatoid elbow may be diagnosed based on your symptoms in your affected upper limb and elbow. Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, evaluate your symptoms and note down your medical history. Certain medical tests might be ordered to confirm the diagnosis including blood tests and imaging studies such as X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, CT and MRI scans. An early diagnosis may be very beneficial for the management of the condition.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Elbow
Arthritis cannot be cured completely, however, symptomatic management can improve your overall quality of life and slow down the progression of the condition. The various treatment options include:
- Refraining from excessive use of the arm and forearm
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the arm muscles and elbow joint
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation or swelling
- Pain reliever medicines to decrease pain
- Disease -modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to treat the rheumatoid condition
- Steroid injections to treat inflammation
- Surgery is the choice when long-term inflammation has caused permanent damage to joints and the surrounding tendons, ligaments, and other tissues. The various options are elbow replacement surgery, arthroscopy and synovectomy procedures.