Question
I am 20 and I have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my elbow. I have already had elbow arthroscopy to remove loose bodies 2 years ago. The doctor told me the only other thing to do is have an elbow replacement but I am too young for that. I am very active and am having a lot of problems doing any physical activity. I was wondering if there is any other treatment option that will at least some what relieve my pain and allow me to live a some what normal life until I am able to have an elbow replacement.
Answer
Osteoarthritis almost never occurs in the elbow unless there has been extensive trauma. The usual causes of damage to the elbow are from inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, etc. A rheumatologist should be consulted to make sure that there isn’t an inflammatory process that might “spread” to other joints but that is treatable.
