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Bluegrass Orthopaedics 3480 Yorkshire Medical Park Varied
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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.
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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.

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Meet Our
Elbow & Shoulder Team

Owen McGonigle, M.D.
Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon
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Wallace L. Huff, JR., M.D.
Sports Medicine & Total Joint Replacement
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J. Martin Favetto, M.D.
Hand and Upper Extremity
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Ryan P. Donegan, M.D., M.S.
Shoulder and Elbow Specialist
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Victor Marwin, M.D., MBA
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
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Charles "Ched" Crouse, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Dr. O'Neill is a great surgeon. He always takes the time to listen, is compassionate and goes the extra mile to make sure the patient is taken care of. He is easy to talk to and thorough. I never feel rushed during my appointments. His... Dr. O'Neill is a great surgeon. He always takes the time to listen, is compassionate and goes the extra mile to make sure the patient is taken care of. He is easy to talk to and thorough. I never feel rushed during my appointments. His staff is great too - friendly and caring. I highly recommend Dr. O'Neill and this facility.

Tammy

I had a check-up for my hip. Had a couple of concerns and Dr. Donegan answered my questions. Awesome staff.

vickie bishop

Extremely knowledgeable and patient focused. Wait time is short and office is efficient. Would recommend to anyone needing his service.

Anonymous

Dr Denehy is an awesome Dr. Has a wonderful bedside manner and is great with his patients.

Kathleen little

Wrist surgery I am in the process of healing following wrist surgery to install a metal plate and 6 screws, resulting from a fall. My husband and I both were very impressed with Dr. Huff, his knowledge, compassion, and explanations... Wrist surgery I am in the process of healing following wrist surgery to install a metal plate and 6 screws, resulting from a fall. My husband and I both were very impressed with Dr. Huff, his knowledge, compassion, and explanations were outstanding and is helping me get through a difficult time.

Anonymous

Kind manner, informative, willingness to answer questions and patient.

Anonymous

I recently had ankle surgery. Dr Harrod and his entire staff treated me professionally and warmly. From the first call, reception and finally the surgical team it was an exceptional experience. The PT team has made my recovery so much... I recently had ankle surgery. Dr Harrod and his entire staff treated me professionally and warmly. From the first call, reception and finally the surgical team it was an exceptional experience. The PT team has made my recovery so much easier then I imagined. Highly recommend.

Terri Meehan

Dr. Harrod is an amazing doctor. He is very personable and gets down on your level to explain things to you. He is very attentive and honestly listens to you when you have a concern about something. He did an outstanding job with my... Dr. Harrod is an amazing doctor. He is very personable and gets down on your level to explain things to you. He is very attentive and honestly listens to you when you have a concern about something. He did an outstanding job with my foot surgery. I would highly recommend Dr. Harrod to everybody!!

Anonymous

Very impressed. Wonderful bedside manner & straight forward. Took time to answer & explain all questions. Highly recommend! Worth the 2 1/2 hour drive.

Christin Mitchell

A very outgoing and intelligent man. Makes you feel very welcome and is very professional. You will be in good hands if you pick Ryan Donegan.

Cody Landrum

Dr. Donegan diagnosed a rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder. He carefully explained my options for dealing with this injury. He even showed me a film of how this injury can be surgically repaired. Today I worked with a member of his... Dr. Donegan diagnosed a rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder. He carefully explained my options for dealing with this injury. He even showed me a film of how this injury can be surgically repaired. Today I worked with a member of his staff to schedule my surgery.

Anonymous

With a very long history of orthopedic issues, I saw Dr. Harrod for a new issue with my right foot. I could tell he was more than interested in my past issues and really listened to what I had to say. Dr. Harrod provided a couple of... With a very long history of orthopedic issues, I saw Dr. Harrod for a new issue with my right foot. I could tell he was more than interested in my past issues and really listened to what I had to say. Dr. Harrod provided a couple of options that did not include surgery. I would highly recommend Dr. Harrod and, if need be, will see him again should I continue to have issues with my foot.

Randy Blanton

Amazing. Staff works amazingly to get you the help you need. With concern with your pain. Thank you for everything.

Anonymous

Very satisfactory

Anonymous

My experience was awesome. Back to check in in 2 minutes, then xray,in 5minutes, Dr Huff and the staff are wonderful and my visit was great. I used them years ago and was happy then as well. I'd recommend them to anyone who is in need... My experience was awesome. Back to check in in 2 minutes, then xray,in 5minutes, Dr Huff and the staff are wonderful and my visit was great. I used them years ago and was happy then as well. I'd recommend them to anyone who is in need of their services. Great staff as well :)

Kathy Turner

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.

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