Elbow Pain
Overview
The elbow is a complex joint consisting of three compartments that provide two types of motion. The humerus (upper-arm bone) and the ulna (bone on the small-finger side) provide hinge-type motion. The humerus and the radius (bone on the thumb side) provide rotational motion. The joint is lined with a lubricating tissue called cartilage, which bears weight and cushions joint movement.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to damaged joint cartilage. Damaged cartilage may lead to increased friction between the bones and increased pain. The elbow’s joint cartilage is most commonly damaged by fracture. The cartilage can also be damaged by osteoarthritis (OA), the breakdown of joint cartilage leading to painful bone-on-bone contact, or inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Healthy Elbow
Arthritic Elbow
There are a number of non-surgical, or conservative, treatment options for osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis. Typically, non-surgical options start with gentle exercise and physical therapy. As the arthritis becomes more painful and limiting, the non-surgical treatment options become more involved.
Surgery, including joint replacement, is generally only recommended after all other conservative treatment options fail to provide relief. Always talk to your primary care physician or to your orthopedic surgeon before starting any treatment plan. Your doctors will help you develop a plan that will best fit your specific condition.
Biomet is a manufacturer of orthopedic implants and does not practice medicine. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine what treatment is appropriate. Individual results of total joint replacement may vary. The life of any implant will depend on your weight, age, activity level, and other factors. For more information on risks, warnings, and possible adverse effects, see the Patient Risk Information section found within Biomet.com. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding your particular condition or treatment options.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to damaged joint cartilage. Damaged cartilage may lead to increased friction between the bones and increased pain. The elbow’s joint cartilage is most commonly damaged by fracture. The cartilage can also be damaged by osteoarthritis (OA), the breakdown of joint cartilage leading to painful bone-on-bone contact, or inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Healthy Elbow
Arthritic Elbow
There are a number of non-surgical, or conservative, treatment options for osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis. Typically, non-surgical options start with gentle exercise and physical therapy. As the arthritis becomes more painful and limiting, the non-surgical treatment options become more involved.
Surgery, including joint replacement, is generally only recommended after all other conservative treatment options fail to provide relief. Always talk to your primary care physician or to your orthopedic surgeon before starting any treatment plan. Your doctors will help you develop a plan that will best fit your specific condition.
Biomet is a manufacturer of orthopedic implants and does not practice medicine. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine what treatment is appropriate. Individual results of total joint replacement may vary. The life of any implant will depend on your weight, age, activity level, and other factors. For more information on risks, warnings, and possible adverse effects, see the Patient Risk Information section found within Biomet.com. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding your particular condition or treatment options.
