Elbow arthritis is joint damage in the elbow causing pain, stiffness, locking or grating during movement. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the main causes. Treatment ranges from activity modification and NSAIDs to arthroscopy or elbow replacement.
Where to go next
What is osteoarthritis? — How to recognise osteoarthritis symptoms, when to see a GP, NICE-aligned treatment, exercises and diet. Plain-English help written for patients.
What is rheumatoid arthritis? — Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK: early symptoms, GP referral, DMARDs, flares and self-care — a plain-English guide for patients.
What is psoriatic arthritis? — UK guide to psoriatic arthritis: the link between psoriasis and joint inflammation, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and self-care.
What is gout? — UK guide to gout: uric acid crystals, sudden severe joint pain, allopurinol treatment after repeat attacks, diet and alcohol changes.
What is ankylosing spondylitis? — UK guide to ankylosing spondylitis: inflammatory back pain, morning stiffness, diagnosis, daily exercise, physio and biologic treatment.
What is juvenile arthritis? — UK guide to juvenile idiopathic arthritis: signs in children under 16, diagnosis, paediatric rheumatology care and DMARD treatment.
What is fibromyalgia? — UK guide to fibromyalgia: widespread pain, fatigue, fibro fog and sleep problems, plus NICE-recommended exercise, CBT and pacing.
What is lupus? — UK guide to lupus (SLE): joint pain, butterfly rash, fatigue and sun sensitivity, plus hydroxychloroquine treatment and self-care.
What is knee arthritis? — Knee arthritis symptoms, treatment & exercises: Pain relief strategies, exercises & when to see a specialist. Complete management guide.
What is hand arthritis? — Hand arthritis: Symptoms, functional strategies & adaptive equipment. Maintain independence with expert physiotherapy & practical aids.
What is hip arthritis? — UK guide to hip arthritis: groin and buttock pain, stiffness, physio-led strengthening, weight management and hip replacement options.
What is shoulder arthritis? — UK guide to shoulder arthritis: glenohumeral & AC joint OA, rotator cuff arthropathy, symptoms, treatment and exercises.
Foot and ankle arthritis — Conditions — foot and ankle arthritis. Condition guide from Living With Arthritis, a UK registered charity (no. 1218461) publishing plain-English, educational
What is polymyalgia rheumatica? — UK guide to polymyalgia rheumatica: sudden shoulder and hip stiffness over 50, low-dose steroid treatment and what recovery looks like.
What is reactive arthritis? — UK guide to reactive arthritis: joint inflammation after gut or urinary infection, typical symptoms, treatment and recovery timeline.
Last updated 2026-07-01. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does elbow arthritis feel like?
Most people describe a deep ache on the outside or back of the elbow that worsens when straightening the arm fully or carrying a heavy bag. Many lose the last few degrees of extension, so the arm no longer goes completely straight.
Is elbow pain always arthritis?
No. The most common causes of elbow pain in UK adults are tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) — tendon overload conditions rather than joint arthritis. True elbow arthritis is less common and usually follows an old fracture or develops in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the best exercise for elbow arthritis?
Gentle range-of-motion work — bending and straightening the elbow within a pain-free range, plus forearm rotations (palm up, palm down) — is the most evidence-supported routine. Light isometric grip work protects forearm strength without loading the joint.
Should I see a GP about elbow pain?
See your GP if elbow pain lasts more than six weeks, wakes you at night, locks or catches, or is accompanied by tingling into the ring and little fingers — that pattern can indicate ulnar nerve irritation that benefits from early treatment.
Can elbow arthritis be cured?
Arthritis itself isn't cured, but most people manage symptoms well with exercise, activity modification, topical NSAIDs and occasional corticosteroid injections. Elbow replacement is reserved for severe pain or loss of function and gives good relief in around 85% of cases.