Arthritis in the Elbow
Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida
The elbow is a complex joint, allowing for flexion and extension, pronation and supination or rotating the arm in and out. This articulation of several bones in the forearm (the radius and ulna), and in the upper arm the articulation with the humerus results in a very versatile joint.
Arthritis in the elbow may affect the different articulations of the bones involved. The most common arthritic process is due to degenerative, or wear-and-tear, arthritis which may occur at the articulation of the humerus with the radius, and the humerus with the ulna, or at the radial ulnar joint. Additionally, there are other arthritic processes such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis that may affect the elbow.
Degenerative wear and tear may also affect the surrounding ligaments and musculature about the elbow, resulting in chronic diffuse arm pain or pain that is poorly defined about the elbow.
Conservative physical medicine modalities can be helpful, as well as rest and avoiding wear-and-tear or stressing events. Anti-inflammatory medications or even corticosteroid injections in selected cases can help.
With arthritis in the elbow, as the cartilage wears at the various joint articulations, bony erosion and continued degeneration from wear and tear occurs, and pain continues.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy have been shown to help repair degenerative or worn cartilage, and help with the healing process.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy captures the healing growth factors that are in a person’s own blood. By injecting the PRP into the damaged area of the elbow, it can help heal cartilage and diminish pain. In addition, there are indications for platelet rich plasma in healing a variety of conditions, in much the same way that stem cells can be used to help regenerate different types of tissues.
Adult stem cells have been used to help regenerate cartilage in the elbow joint, since it contains many of the healing growth factors that are also found in platelet rich plasma.
Platelet rich plasma and stem cell therapy are innovative and cutting-edge treatment techniques that can help repair chronic or acutely damaged muscle, cartilage or joint problems. The most appropriate treatment technique for each particular patient should be discussed with your physician.
If you suffer with arthritis in the elbow and your current treatment plan leaves you wanting more options, perhaps a fresh set of experienced eyes can change your outlook. Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients in the Tampa Bay area increase their quality of life. Contact us for an appointment at 727-462-5582.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, and the Florida Spine Center serve patients within the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as all of Florida and the US.
All statements, information or opinions provided by this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.
Regarding platelet-rich plasma or stem cell therapy: Neither statements nor treatments have been evaluated by the FDA. We do not claim that these treatments work for any listed or unlisted condition. Patient testimonials offer only the patient’s impression of how a therapy worked for them – individual results will vary; results are not guaranteed nor warranteed. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.