Arthritis is disorder that affects the joints. Arthritis in the elbow is not as common as in other joints in the body, such as knee arthritis or ankle arthritis, because it typically occurs in weight-bearing joints. However, elbow arthritis still occurs and can be very painful to those who are affected. There are over 100 different types of arthritis that can affect the elbow, but elbow osteoarthritis is the most common.

Here are the most common symptoms of elbow arthritis:

  • Pain on the outer side of the joint
  • Pain that increases as you rotate your forearm or extend your arm
  • Pain at night or even while resting
  • Pain in both elbows
  • Swelling (more common in rheumatoid arthritis, a type of arthritis that causes the cartilage to deteriorate)
  • Limited range of motion when straightening or bending the elbow
  • Elbow instability
  • Stiffness or locking of the joint
  • Numbness in the fingers (may occur in late stages of osteoarthritis)

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