About Stiff Elbows

A stiff elbow refers to a limitation in the range of motion of the elbow joint, which can make bending or straightening the arm difficult. Normally, the elbow should extend to 0 degrees and flex up to about 145 degrees. Even a small loss of motion can make daily activities challenging.

Elbow stiffness may occur gradually due to underlying conditions, or it may follow an elbow injury or surgery. Whether caused by trauma, overuse, or disease, a stiff elbow can affect people of all ages and activity levels, though it’s more common in individuals with previous joint damage or chronic inflammation.

What Are the Symptoms Accompanying Stiff Elbows?

In addition to reduced range of motion, people with a stiff elbow may experience:

• Elbow pain or discomfort, especially with movement
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• A feeling of tightness or locking in the elbow
• Difficulty performing tasks requiring full arm extension or flexion
• A visible change in the shape or alignment of the elbow

These symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen over time if left untreated. In more advanced cases, elbow stiffness can interfere with basic self-care or work-related functions.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several causes and risk factors that may lead to elbow stiffness:

• Elbow injury: Fractures, dislocations, or trauma to the elbow often result in inflammation and scar tissue, limiting movement.
• Post-surgical changes: After surgery, soft tissue scarring and immobilization can lead to stiffness.
• Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can damage the joint surface and restrict motion.
• Loose bodies: Fragments of bone or cartilage (known as loose bodies) can become lodged in the elbow joint, causing mechanical blockage.
• Elbow contracture: A condition in which soft tissues around the elbow tighten and shorten, limiting motion.
• Burns or deep soft tissue injuries: These may result in scar formation and joint restriction.

Risk factors include repeated strain on the elbow from sports or manual labor, prior injuries or surgeries, and systemic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a stiff elbow typically begins with a physical exam. Your orthopedic specialist will assess your range of motion, check for tenderness or deformity, and evaluate how the elbow responds to pressure and movement.

Imaging studies are often used to support the diagnosis:

• X-rays: These help evaluate bone structure, alignment, and signs of arthritis.
• MRI or CT scans: Useful for assessing soft tissue, cartilage damage, or the presence of loose bodies in the joint.

At Georgia Hand Shoulder and Elbow, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your elbow stiffness and create a tailored treatment plan.

Treatment for a Stiff Elbow Joint

Stiff elbow treatment depends on the severity of the stiffness and its underlying cause. Options may include:

Non-Surgical Treatment:

• Physical therapy or occupational therapy: A customized rehabilitation program helps stretch and strengthen the joint and surrounding muscles to restore mobility.
• Splinting or bracing: These tools may be used to apply gentle, sustained stretch over time.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce swelling and elbow pain associated with arthritis or injury.
• Joint injections: Corticosteroid injections may relieve inflammation in some cases.

Surgical Treatment:

If non-surgical measures fail, surgical treatment may be recommended:

• Arthroscopic debridement: A minimally invasive procedure to remove loose bodies, scar tissue, or bone spurs.
• Open surgery: Sometimes needed for more extensive joint damage or severe elbow contracture.
• Joint replacement: In cases of advanced arthritis, joint replacement surgery may be considered to restore function and relieve pain.

Our orthopedic surgeons at Georgia Hand Shoulder and Elbow specialize in both minimally invasive and complex reconstructive procedures to optimize outcomes.

Prevention

While not all cases of elbow stiffness can be prevented, the following strategies can reduce your risk:

• Address elbow injuries promptly and follow recommended treatment plans.
• Maintain flexibility and strength in the upper limb through regular exercise.
• Avoid repetitive or excessive strain on the elbow joint.
• Use protective equipment during sports or high-risk activities.
• Follow post-operative instructions carefully after any elbow surgery to minimize scar formation.

Staying proactive about your elbow health can help preserve mobility and prevent long-term complications.

Regain Comfort and Movement

Living with a stiff elbow can be frustrating, but effective solutions are available. Whether your stiffness is due to an old injury, arthritis, or a recent trauma, understanding the cause is the first step toward relief. With a combination of expert diagnosis, personalized therapy, and advanced surgical treatment when needed, many patients experience significant improvement in pain and function.

At Georgia Hand Shoulder and Elbow, our specialists in Atlanta and Marietta, GA, are dedicated to restoring mobility and quality of life. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, reduced range of motion, or any signs of elbow stiffness, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today to get the expert care your elbow deserves!