Elbow arthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) wears down. This deterioration causes friction and inflammation within the joint, leading to a range of symptoms. The specific feelings depend on the type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and the severity of the damage. Symptoms usually progress slowly, making basic arm movements like lifting or rotation increasingly difficult.
The Core Sensations of Pain and Stiffness
The primary sensation of elbow arthritis is often a persistent, deep ache within the joint. This discomfort typically worsens with activity, especially tasks that involve lifting, gripping, or extending the arm. Unlike temporary muscle soreness, arthritis pain can linger even after periods of rest and may become severe enough to interfere with sleep, particularly in advanced stages.
A common experience is “start-up pain” and stiffness immediately following inactivity, such as waking up in the morning or sitting still for a long time. For those with osteoarthritis, this morning stiffness usually resolves relatively quickly with gentle movement. The pain can also feel like tenderness to the touch around the joint, and it may sometimes radiate down the forearm.
Movement itself frequently exacerbates the feeling of pain. Specifically, rotating the forearm or attempting to fully straighten or bend the arm can trigger discomfort because the damaged joint surfaces are being compressed. This internal feeling of resistance and pain upon movement is a direct result of the joint’s compromised ability to glide smoothly.
Physical Manifestations and Audible Signs
Beyond the internal pain, elbow arthritis produces observable physical changes and mechanical sensations. Swelling around the joint is a frequent manifestation, occurring when fluid accumulates in the joint capsule due to inflammation. The joint may look puffy and feel warm to the touch, and this swelling can contribute to a tight or restricted feeling.
A noticeable functional limitation is a decreased range of motion, making simple activities like reaching or combing hair difficult. As the condition progresses, the person may be unable to fully straighten or bend the arm. This limitation is often accompanied by crepitus, an audible or palpable grinding, clicking, or grating sensation that occurs when rough cartilage surfaces rub together during movement.
A more advanced mechanical symptom is “locking,” where the elbow joint momentarily catches or locks up during motion. This feeling is caused by small fragments of bone or cartilage, known as loose bodies, dislodging and getting temporarily trapped between the moving joint surfaces. In some cases, the inflammation or joint changes can put pressure on the ulnar nerve, which runs behind the inner part of the elbow, leading to tingling or numbness in the ring and pinky fingers.
The Underlying Mechanism Causing the Symptoms
The symptoms of elbow arthritis are rooted in the physical deterioration of the joint structure. The process begins with the erosion of articular cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue covering the bone ends. As this cushioning layer thins, the bones begin to rub directly against one another, creating friction and pain.
This friction and joint instability stimulate the body to attempt repair, often leading to the formation of small, bony outgrowths called osteophytes, or bone spurs. These osteophytes form along the joint margins and physically block the full range of motion. This contributes directly to the feeling of stiffness and the inability to fully extend the arm.
Inflammation of the joint lining, called synovitis, is another fundamental part of the mechanism. The synovial membrane becomes inflamed and thickened, which causes the joint to swell. This inflammation releases chemical mediators that further degrade the cartilage and increase the perception of pain, contributing to the deep ache and overall joint destruction.
Differentiating Symptoms and Seeking Diagnosis
Understanding when symptoms signal arthritis is an important step toward treatment. Arthritis pain usually feels deep within the joint and is associated with stiffness, especially after rest. This differs from conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), where the pain is sharp and localized to the outside of the elbow, often triggered by gripping or repetitive tendon use.
Bursitis, another common elbow issue, presents primarily as visible, fluid-filled swelling and tenderness over the bony tip of the elbow, rather than the deep, mechanical pain and stiffness characteristic of arthritis. If elbow pain is persistent, lasts more than a few days, or involves a noticeable loss of motion, a medical evaluation is warranted.
A physician will perform a physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. To confirm a diagnosis, imaging tests are ordered, with X-rays being the standard first step to visualize joint narrowing, osteophytes, or loose bodies. In some cases, a specialist may be consulted to determine the specific type and severity of the arthritis.