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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.
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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TRUST THE BEST

Dr. Christensen and his staff are very professional and kind. I went to him for my Partial Right Knee replacement a year ago because I had heard only good reviews. I have not been disappointed. He did a terrific surgery on me. No... Dr. Christensen and his staff are very professional and kind. I went to him for my Partial Right Knee replacement a year ago because I had heard only good reviews. I have not been disappointed. He did a terrific surgery on me. No complaints. Follow ups were great. His PA's are very professional. They took the time to answer all my questions. Would recommend Dr. Christensen and Bluegrass Orthopedics to any one that needs knee surgery.

Emily C.

Very knowledgeable and explains things in a way that is easy to understand.

Anonymous

I really liked the way Dr. Harrod explained everything to me in a way that I understood.

Anonymous

Dr. V has scoped both of my knees then did a total replacement on one. Dealt with the early stages of severe shoulder joint damage and recommended the surgeon (outside her practice) who ultimately did the surgery. Extremely... Dr. V has scoped both of my knees then did a total replacement on one. Dealt with the early stages of severe shoulder joint damage and recommended the surgeon (outside her practice) who ultimately did the surgery. Extremely knowledgeable, caring, attentive. If you ever read her dictation notes you will find that she listened and retained everything you told her. I trust her implicitly and highly recommend her.

Nancy L

Time and time again, Dr O’Neal proves to be a competent, and caring surgeon. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing reconstructive hand surgery or joint issues.

Anonymous

Very insightful and personable. Excellent visit

Anonymous

Excellent Doctor. Dr. Hunt treated my achilles, 5th metatarsal, and calcaneus injury. He repaired my foot so I may walk again. I would recommend Dr. Hunt to anyone for any orthopedic injury. Wonderful staff as well.

Anonymous

Dr. Huff is extremely professional and precise. He has been my family’s orthopedic surgeon for about 16 years. We trust him implicitly especially because he gets us back on our feet quickly so we can pursue sports and fitness goals. Dr. Huff is extremely professional and precise. He has been my family’s orthopedic surgeon for about 16 years. We trust him implicitly especially because he gets us back on our feet quickly so we can pursue sports and fitness goals.

Anonymous

I would have to rate Dr. O'Neill as excellent. Not only is he competent, but very knowledgable. He did carpel tunnel surgery on my right hand in 2009 and I have had NO residual numbness. I started having pain in my thumb joints in... I would have to rate Dr. O'Neill as excellent. Not only is he competent, but very knowledgable. He did carpel tunnel surgery on my right hand in 2009 and I have had NO residual numbness. I started having pain in my thumb joints in November, 2015 and the pain remained constant. I saw Dr. O'Neill in May, 2016. He recommended injections and advised they may be painful. I had them in both thumbs and by the next day, I have no pain in my thumbs joints! I am extremely satisfied!

Jean Amburgey

Everything perfect Everyone Dr. Christensen , the PA’s , nurses and all staff , couldn’t ask for better treatment. Excellent in every way! Dr. Christensen is the best !

Anonymous

I would highly recommend Dr. Christensen for any hip joint related problems.

Anonymous

I've been seeing Dr. Balthrop for a year now. He is a really good doctor. He listens to what a person says and asks. His answers are direct and to you, not at you. He gives all the information on any procedure that you are concerned... I've been seeing Dr. Balthrop for a year now. He is a really good doctor. He listens to what a person says and asks. His answers are direct and to you, not at you. He gives all the information on any procedure that you are concerned with, all the options and if you desire, say no. Be extremely hard to find a better doctor than Dr. John Balthrop.

Anonymous

Dr. Jason Harrod is a fantastic foot doctor! I had a bunionectomy and he told me honestly up front, what to expect. The surgical staff was top notch; I had a better experience there than in some area hospitals. I highly recommend this... Dr. Jason Harrod is a fantastic foot doctor! I had a bunionectomy and he told me honestly up front, what to expect. The surgical staff was top notch; I had a better experience there than in some area hospitals. I highly recommend this facility!

Elaine Laurila Haggard

Dr. Donegan was very professional, answered all our questions, and explained all things we needed to know. An excellent doctor.

Anonymous

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

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.

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