a man holding a tennis racket

Osteoarthritis Specialist for Elbow Pain in Lexington, KY

Osteoarthritis Elbow Treatment 
in Kentucky

Osteoarthritis of the elbow can gradually interfere with your ability to perform everyday movements, from lifting groceries to reaching overhead. As cartilage breaks down in the joint, pain, stiffness, and reduced motion often follow. For patients experiencing these symptoms, Bluegrass Orthopaedics offers specialized care focused on diagnosing and treating elbow osteoarthritis to restore function and improve quality of life.
Person holding their painful, inflamed elbow with redness indicating joint pain or injury.

Understanding Elbow Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of bones wears down over time. While less common in the elbow than in weight-bearing joints, osteoarthritis of the elbow can still be extremely painful and debilitating. Aging, repetitive stress, previous injuries, or chronic joint instability typically cause this condition. Patients often report deep, aching pain, swelling, limited range of motion, joint locking or catching, and difficulty fully straightening or bending the elbow.

Evaluating Elbow Joint Damage

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, we begin with a thorough evaluation to understand the extent of your arthritis and its impact on daily activities. A physical examination is followed by imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess the level of cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing. These diagnostics are crucial in determining the most effective treatment approach tailored to your specific needs.

Non-Surgical Elbow Treatment Options

Many patients with elbow osteoarthritis can effectively manage their symptoms with conservative care. Treatment often involves modifying activities, using anti-inflammatory medications, and undergoing targeted physical therapy. The goal is to reduce pain, preserve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles that support the elbow. Custom bracing may also be recommended to offload stress on the joint and provide stability during movement.

When Elbow Surgery Becomes Necessary

If nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective and elbow osteoarthritis severely limits daily function, surgical intervention may be the next step. Surgical options depend on the extent of the joint damage and the patient's goals. For some, elbow arthroscopy—a minimally invasive procedure to remove bone spurs, loose fragments, and inflamed tissue—can offer relief. In more advanced cases, particularly in older adults or those with significant cartilage loss, total elbow replacement surgery may be recommended.

Elbow Restoring Comfort and Movement

Bluegrass Orthopaedics combines expert surgical care with personalized rehabilitation to help patients achieve the best possible outcome. After any elbow procedure, our physical therapy team helps guide recovery with exercises focused on flexibility, strength, and function. Our collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives the ongoing support and clinical expertise needed to regain motion and return to meaningful activities.

WE CAN HELP
TRUST THE BEST

I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional... I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional and caring yet very down to earth. I've been to his office twice and will continue as needed.

T. Ramos

Gave me my life back! The best in quality care and reconstructive surgery. I couldn't have asked for a kinder, more professional or caring doctor. I'm so thankful I was referred to Dr. Denehy and his team at Central Baptist. Highest of... Gave me my life back! The best in quality care and reconstructive surgery. I couldn't have asked for a kinder, more professional or caring doctor. I'm so thankful I was referred to Dr. Denehy and his team at Central Baptist. Highest of recommendations for him and the entire staff.

Anonymous

Dr Harris is always so nice and friendly and so reassuring. Glad to be his patient

Anonymous

Efficient office staff who got us in the same day for an urgent appointment, and Dr. Hunt was knowledgeable and kind to our daughter who had a broken bone in her foot. I would highly recommend Dr. Travis Hunt.

Amy Comer

I would recommend Dr. Favetto to anyone. He makes sure that you are taking care of yourself and has your best interest in mind. Very sincere, kind and takes the time to describe every issue. The office staff is kind , they work as a... I would recommend Dr. Favetto to anyone. He makes sure that you are taking care of yourself and has your best interest in mind. Very sincere, kind and takes the time to describe every issue. The office staff is kind , they work as a team. I feel lucky we chose his office.

Anonymous

Very satisfactory

Anonymous

This a wonderful funny very smart physician. He deserves the highest praise for his bedside manner and professionalism! We just can't say enough good things about him! This site said I didn't like him This was not correct he is wonderful. This a wonderful funny very smart physician. He deserves the highest praise for his bedside manner and professionalism! We just can't say enough good things about him! This site said I didn't like him This was not correct he is wonderful.

Kenneth Smith

Dr Hunt has operated on both my left and right shoulders. Rotater cuffs. Has done a wonderful job both times. The staff are very friendly, always has a smile. Thanks a bunch.

Anonymous

Awesome Dr Harrod and his staff are a blessing. In a time of trauma they all make you feel special. Some of the most beautiful people I have ever met. Can't say enough!!!

Anonymous

Very efficient although conservative approach to my problem.

Henry Wyatt

Great doctor who cares about her patients. She is honest and explains everything clearly.

Anonymous

Dr. Donegan was fantastic. He is definitely all about making sure the patient comes first. He explains everything and gives you a timeline about your injury so that you can make a educated decision. He had to jump through hoops to get... Dr. Donegan was fantastic. He is definitely all about making sure the patient comes first. He explains everything and gives you a timeline about your injury so that you can make a educated decision. He had to jump through hoops to get everything approved. My shoulder surgery went well and I would recommend Dr Donegan highly.

Edward Klaczynski

Excellent physician Dr Huff takes the time to answer all questions, I never felt rushed. Patient is always first. I highly recommend Dr Huff.

Anonymous

I liked Dr Vasicek very much. She took her time with me, explained everything & answered all of my questions without being in a hurry. She also addressed my knee problem that day & made the treatment plan to where most places the first... I liked Dr Vasicek very much. She took her time with me, explained everything & answered all of my questions without being in a hurry. She also addressed my knee problem that day & made the treatment plan to where most places the first visit would have only been a consult & I would have had to wait weeks to get back in. I would highly recommend Dr Vasicek.

T Hubbard

My son has been treated here several times. Providers are thorough and personable. They are very accommodating with appointments and procedures, and we never have to wait an unreasonable amount of time in-office. All employees are... My son has been treated here several times. Providers are thorough and personable. They are very accommodating with appointments and procedures, and we never have to wait an unreasonable amount of time in-office. All employees are professional and courteous. Highly recommend!

Anonymous

Trusted Elbow Care
in Central Kentucky

Living with elbow pain from osteoarthritis doesn't have to be your new normal. Bluegrass Orthopaedics is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term relief through customized treatment strategies that reflect the latest advancements in orthopedic care. Whether your goal is to return to work, improve mobility, or simply live without constant discomfort, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence. Reach out to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Owen McGonigle, sports medicine specialist, speaking in a Bluegrass Orthopaedics video interview.

Serving
Near You