Elbow osteoarthritis is a gradual change in the elbow joint in which the cartilage thins and bony spurs form. It typically causes stiffness, pain when the elbow is fully bent or straightened, and sometimes catching or locking. It is uncommon compared with arthritis of the knee or hip, and is seen mostly in people who have done years of heavy manual work or who have had an elbow injury.
Also known as elbow arthritis, wear and tear of the elbow
Anatomy: where the problem is
Front view of the elbow. Highlighted in the diagram: elbow joint surfaces.
Symptoms
- Stiffness, especially loss of the last part of straightening or bending
- Pain at the ends of movement, such as fully straightening the arm
- Catching, clicking or locking if small loose fragments form in the joint
- Aching after heavy use
- Tingling in the ring and little fingers if the nerve behind the elbow becomes irritated
Causes and risk factors
- Years of heavy manual work or use of vibrating tools
- A previous elbow fracture or dislocation
- Weightlifting or throwing sports over many years
- Increasing age
- Less commonly, inflammatory joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis
What the evidence says helps
- NICE recommends exercise, tailored to the person, as a core treatment for osteoarthritis in any joint, together with clear information and help with weight management where relevant.2
- Treatment starts with activity changes, pain relief and exercise to maintain movement and strength. Anti-inflammatory gel is an option, and a steroid injection can be considered for short-term relief.12
- If loose fragments or bony spurs cause locking or block movement, keyhole surgery to clear the joint can improve pain and movement in suitable people.13
- Elbow replacement is generally kept for older, less active people with severe arthritis, because the implant places limits on heavy lifting.1
Things you can try at home
- Move the elbow through its comfortable range several times a day
- Use heat to ease stiffness before activity
- Break up heavy or repetitive jobs and vary the tasks you do
- Use tools with larger, padded handles and avoid long spells with vibrating tools
- Keep the arm and shoulder muscles strong with regular exercise
- Ask a pharmacist about anti-inflammatory gel
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen elbow with a fever or feeling unwell: see a GP the same day or call NHS 111
- An elbow that looks deformed, or cannot be bent or straightened after a fall: go to A&E
- Arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating: call 999
- Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the hand that is getting worse: see your GP promptly
- An elbow that suddenly locks and cannot be moved: get same-day medical advice
How Apollo can help
We assess how far the elbow moves, what limits it, and how the nerves around the joint are working. We explain what the changes in the joint mean and agree a plan to keep it moving and strong, using hands-on mobilisation where it helps and exercises you can do at home. We can advise on work tasks and equipment. If the elbow is locking, movement is blocked or you have nerve symptoms, we write to your GP about imaging and a specialist opinion.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What does elbow arthritis feel like?
The main features are stiffness and pain at the ends of movement, for example when you fully straighten or fully bend the arm. Some people notice catching or locking. Pain through the middle of the movement is less typical until the arthritis is more advanced.
Can elbow arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most people start with activity changes, exercise to maintain movement and strength, and pain relief. Surgery is considered when the joint locks, when movement is blocked by bony spurs, or when pain remains severe.
Why are my little finger and ring finger tingling?
The ulnar nerve runs behind the inner elbow, close to the joint. Bony spurs and swelling from arthritis can irritate it and cause tingling in the ring and little fingers. Mention this to a clinician, as it may change the treatment advised.
References
- Papatheodorou LK, Baratz ME, Sotereanos DG (2013). Elbow Arthritis: Current Concepts. The Journal of Hand Surgery 38:605-613. View source
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG226. View source
- Ravalli S, Pulici C, Binetti S, Aglieco A, Vecchio M, Musumeci G (2019). An Overview of the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Elbow Osteoarthritis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 4:30. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
