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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

I was recommended to Dr. Donegan by several friends. He completely repair my shoulder with excellent skills. He is very skillful, friendly and takes the time to listen to you as a patient and get to the root of your issue. He is an... I was recommended to Dr. Donegan by several friends. He completely repair my shoulder with excellent skills. He is very skillful, friendly and takes the time to listen to you as a patient and get to the root of your issue. He is an EXCELLENT surgeon as well as excellent staff.

Anonymous

I was very nervous and very confused when I got injured, but after talking to her, I felt a great sense of relief. My first surgery was not successful, not because of her. Against advice of colleagues and friends, I trusted her and went... I was very nervous and very confused when I got injured, but after talking to her, I felt a great sense of relief. My first surgery was not successful, not because of her. Against advice of colleagues and friends, I trusted her and went back for a second surgery. I am happy I did.

Alphonse R.

He was very informative & helpful! He answered all of our questions (and we had a lot). Very descriptive when he explained my procedure & what is wrong with my shoulder! Even showed us a video of the procedure to help understand better. He was very informative & helpful! He answered all of our questions (and we had a lot). Very descriptive when he explained my procedure & what is wrong with my shoulder! Even showed us a video of the procedure to help understand better.

Dee Dee Hulker

He is very personable and is very kind and knows his stuff.

Anonymous

Dr. Harrod was very professional and took time to listen to my concerns. He asked several questions and then explained the nature of the problem with my feet and the course of action that he felt was the best for me.

Mary Jo Harrod

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

Anonymous

I trust Doctor O’Neil. He has given my the best treatments and has kept me on the mend. I cannot thank him enough during this recovery period of my hand.

Anonymous

Wonderful experience!

jfb

Caring, interested, quick and to the point

Anonymous

Dr. Christensen did a total hip replacement on me 5 years ago. I highly recommend him! Yesterday I saw Matt, the PA for some issues with my left leg. I was very impressed with him too!

Cupcake

This is the second time I have seen Dr. Huff, due to work injuries. I prefer him cause he has a sense of humor and is very straight forward. Also the fact that he tries to avoid surgeries if possible, which is a relief if therapy can... This is the second time I have seen Dr. Huff, due to work injuries. I prefer him cause he has a sense of humor and is very straight forward. Also the fact that he tries to avoid surgeries if possible, which is a relief if therapy can fix the issue and get me back to work.

Brian McClusky

The doctors are excellent and all staff was wonderful. Would recommend to anyone. Dr Jason Harrod is the best

Barbara Turpin

Rotator cuff surgery. Excellent professional doctor. Explained everything to me before surgery; explained it to where I understood what he was going to do step by step. Super nice young man. He and all his workers are top notch people.... Rotator cuff surgery. Excellent professional doctor. Explained everything to me before surgery; explained it to where I understood what he was going to do step by step. Super nice young man. He and all his workers are top notch people. You didn't have to sit and wait forever to get in to see them. Any phone call question I had, they was very nice and answered my questions. Checked on me after I got home. I would recommend Dr. Donegan to do this surgery on anyone with ease. What a great team. Thank you sir and your staff for treating me like a person and not a dollar. Folks, I give this review to you from my experience. He or any of his team did not ask me to write this review. It was all me. Thank you Dr. Donegan and your team again. You all are great.

Anonymous

Dr. Hunt is amazing. He was the 1 doctor after 3 others that found the problem in my shoulder. I can’t thank him enough. Septic arthritis is so painful and dangerous. Thank you for his well trained team for all that you did for me. Dr. Hunt is amazing. He was the 1 doctor after 3 others that found the problem in my shoulder. I can’t thank him enough. Septic arthritis is so painful and dangerous. Thank you for his well trained team for all that you did for me.

Anonymous

I received excellent care during surgery and follow up appts. Very impressed!!

Anne Owens

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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