Stiff Elbow Treatment
Treatment for elbow stiffness often starts with physiotherapy. If therapy does not work, then surgery could be performed to remove tight structures that are stopping the elbow from moving.
Diagnosis for Stiff Elbow
The diagnosis of elbow stiffness is easily made on a history and examination however to determine the underlying cause of the stiffness x-rays or a CT/MRI scan will be necessary.
Causes & Risk factors for Stiff Elbow
There are several cause for elbow stiffness. these include;
- post traumatic stiffness (as occurs following a fracture)
- osteoarthritis
Symptoms for Stiff Elbow
The symptoms associated with elbow arthritis include;
- Stiffness; restrictions in the range of elbow movement affecting both flexion and forearm rotation.
- Pain; pain can occur at the end of any restricted range of movement, or it can occur throughout the range of movement.
- Locking of the joint may be noticed by those affected and can be due to the development of loose bodies, which impede joint movement. Episodes of locking will often settle spontaneously but will also often recur.
Stiff Elbow
Stiffness of elbow can affect the ability to bend the elbow resulting in the loss of flexion or extension, but it can also affect forearm rotation.
The stiffness can be caused by ether soft tissue contractures around the elbow or may be secondary to a bony block to movement.
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