Osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow
Osteoarthritis of the elbow is a degenerative condition that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the elbow joint wears down over time.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow overview
In a healthy elbow, a smooth, lubricating layer of articular cartilage covers the joint surfaces, allowing the bones to glide effortlessly against one another without friction. In elbow osteoarthritis, this protective layer gradually wears away, causing the rougher bone surfaces to rub directly together. Unlike osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints like the hips or knees, primary elbow OA is relatively uncommon. It most frequently affects middle-aged and older adults, particularly those who have engaged in heavy manual labor or high-impact sports. However, the vast majority of cases develop secondary to a previous joint injury, such as a prior elbow fracture, dislocation, or severe ligament damage.
What are the symptoms?
- Deep, aching pain in the elbow joint, particularly during or after activity
- Progressive joint stiffness and loss of full movement (especially difficulty straightening the arm)
- A grating, locking, or catching sensation during movement
- Swelling and inflammation around the joint
- Pain or numbness in the ring and little fingers if surrounding bone spurs compress the ulnar nerve
How is elbow osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosing elbow osteoarthritis involves a detailed clinical evaluation by your consultant, who will assess your joint flexibility, check for crepitus (a grinding sensation), and evaluate pain levels.
X-rays are routinely performed to confirm joint space narrowing and identify any bone spurs (osteophytes). Blood tests or an MRI scan may also be arranged to rule out other inflammatory conditions and assess soft tissue damage.
Are there any risks?
Complications from elbow osteoarthritis treatments or surgery are generally low, but potential risks include:
- Ongoing joint stiffness or persistent pain
- Irritation or damage to nearby nerves (such as the ulnar nerve)
- Infection around the incision site or artificial joint
- Progressive wear or loosening of joint replacement components over time
- The need for revision surgery
Your specialist will discuss all potential risks with you in detail prior to treatment.
Treatment routes for Osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow
In the early stages, symptoms can often be managed conservatively. This includes activity modification, physical therapy to maintain joint mobility, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and targeted corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to relieve pain and swelling.
Recovery from elbow osteoarthritis
Rest and swelling management
Focus on protecting the joint and controlling inflammation. If you have undergone surgery, dressings should be kept clean and dry while gentle finger, wrist, and shoulder movements are encouraged.
Restoring mobility
Surgical stitches are typically removed around 10 to 14 days. Under physical therapy guidance, you will begin tailored range-of-motion exercises to prevent post-operative stiffness and restore joint flexibility.
Functional rehabilitation
Rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding light strength and improving functional everyday movements. Most daily activities can be resumed during this stage as joint pain subsides.
Long-term management
For joint replacement or extensive reconstructive surgery, recovery progresses toward maximum functional recovery and long-term joint protection. High-impact sports or heavy manual lifting may need to be permanently modified.
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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