Preventing Elbow Arthritis

Expert Insights from Dr. Terrell Joseph, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery

The elbow is one of the most durable joints in the body, but it is not immune to wear and tear. Over time, repetitive motion, sports injuries, prior trauma, and natural aging can lead to elbow arthritis. Many patients in Vail, Frisco, Edwards, and surrounding mountain communities begin noticing symptoms like stiffness, pain with rotation, or difficulty fully straightening the arm as they get older.

Dr. Terrell Joseph, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, answers common questions about how elbow arthritis develops and what you can do to protect your joint health for the long term.

What Causes Elbow Arthritis as We Age?

Elbow arthritis typically develops from one of three sources:

• Osteoarthritis from years of repetitive use

• Post traumatic arthritis from a past fracture or dislocation

• Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis

While the elbow is less commonly affected than the knee or hip, it is particularly vulnerable when patients participate in sports with repetitive throwing or gripping motions. This includes tennis, pickleball, golf, mountain biking, and skiing with heavy pole use. Over decades, cartilage begins to thin, creating friction inside the joint.

Dr. Joseph explains, “The elbow works hard in sports and everyday activities even when we don’t realize how much force travels through that joint. Protecting elbow mobility early can help patients stay active later in life.”

What Are Early Warning Signs of Elbow Arthritis?

Patients often begin to notice:

• Stiffness first thing in the morning

• Pain when fully bending or straightening the arm

• Clicking or catching inside the joint

• Difficulty with pushing, pulling, gripping, or lifting

• Swelling after activity

Because these symptoms develop slowly, many patients ignore them until the joint becomes significantly restricted. Early evaluation helps preserve cartilage and prevent progression.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Elbow Arthritis?

While aging is unavoidable, many factors that contribute to elbow arthritis can be modified. Dr. Joseph recommends the following strategies for long term joint protection.

Strengthen the Supporting Muscles

Building strength in the forearm, wrist, shoulder, and upper back reduces strain on the elbow.

Smart exercises include:

• Wrist curls

• Light resistance band rotations

• Triceps and biceps strengthening

• Shoulder stability exercises

Strong surrounding musculature improves motion control, distributes load, and reduces the wear that accelerates arthritis.

Improve Your Flexibility

Maintaining a full range of motion is essential for longevity of elbow function. Gentle stretching that targets forearm flexors and extensors, as well as soft tissue around the triceps and biceps, prevents tightness that increases joint compression.

Use Proper Technique in Sports

• Strong technique reduces unnecessary stress.

• Tennis and pickleball players should work on grip size and swing mechanics.

• Golfers can modify their swing plane to limit torque.

• Skiers can adjust pole plant habits to offload the elbow.

A session or two with a coach or trainer can significantly improve efficiency and decrease stress on the joint.

Avoid Repetitive Overload

If your elbow aches after an activity, that is information. Varying tasks throughout the day, adjusting workload, and taking regular recovery breaks allow irritated tissues to calm down before they become chronically inflamed.

Address Injuries Early

Prior injuries are a major predictor of future arthritis. Even minor sprains, tendonitis, or lingering pain should be evaluated sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long term cartilage damage.

Dr. Joseph notes, “The biggest mistake patients make is waiting until pain limits their lifestyle. Early attention can preserve function for decades.”

Which Treatments Can Help Protect the Elbow?

Patients experiencing early symptoms have several non-surgical options to slow arthritis progression:

• Targeted physical therapy

• Activity modification

• Anti-inflammatory strategies

• Bracing during high demand activities

• Injection therapy when appropriate

Many patients maintain excellent elbow motion and comfort with these conservative solutions, especially when started early.

When Should You See an Elbow Specialist?

If elbow pain interferes with daily tasks, limits your sports performance, or prevents you from fully bending or straightening your arm, it may be tie for an evaluation. An orthopaedic specialist can determine the cause of symptoms, assess joint health, and develop a personalized plan to protect your elbow as you age.

About Dr. Terrell Joseph

Dr. Terrell Joseph is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery specializing in knee, shoulder, and upper extremity care for active individuals. With clinics in Vail, Frisco, and Edwards, he helps patients throughout the central Colorado mountains stay active, mobile, and confident in the sports and outdoor activities they love. Contact us today!