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The Elbow

Every time you eat, drink, reach for your keys, open a door, type on a keyboard, get dressed, put on your shoes, toss a ball, point the remote control at your TV or carry any kind of a load, you're using your elbow joint. It's an integral part of your body's machinery that helps you accomplish hundreds of tasks every single day.

The elbow is a complex joint that connects the upper arm to the lower arm. It's made up of three bones - the humerus (the upper arm bone), the radius (the lower arm bone that leads to the thumb), and the ulna (the lower arm bone that leads to the little finger). These three bones come together at the elbow to form a joint that opens and closes like a door but also swivels, making it possible to bend and straighten the arm and rotate the lower arm so you can turn your palm upwards and downwards.

The bending and straightening of the arm is achieved primarily through the action of a elbow hinge joint formed between the humerus/ulna, although a hinge between the humerus/radius is also involved. The rotation of the lower arm occurs primarily at the joint between the radius/ulna. To rotate the arm inward and turn the palm down, the radius must cross over the ulna. To rotate the arm outward and turn the palm up, the radius must return to its original position, parallel to the ulna. Both of these actions require that the ulna and radius slide easily against each other within the joint.

To ensure that the bone ends can accomplish this with an absolute minimum of friction, they are capped with a watery, gel-like substance called cartilage. Healthy cartilage helps the elbow joint bend, straighten and rotate smoothly, and also provides a cushion, keeping the bone ends slightly apart and well-padded. This is important for actions like doing pushups, in which the bone ends are forced against each other as you support yourself on your hands and toes and slowly bend and straighten your elbows. If the cartilage becomes damaged, dried out, thinned or worn away and the bone ends rub against it each other, arthritis of the elbow occurs.

Arthritis and Joint Pain of the Elbow

Arthritis is an ancient scourge: evidence of the disease has been found in the bones of skeletons tens of thousands of years old. Today it's a common disease, afflicting approximately 46 million Americans of all ages.1 Actress Lucille Ball suffered from arthritis, as does tennis great Billie Jean King, hockey star Wayne Gretzky, famous author Norman Cousins, artists Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Grandma Moses, and Dr. Christian Bernard, who performed the world's first human heart transplant.

Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause pain or inflammation in one or more joints, limit movement and/or otherwise harm the joints. It can be caused by many different things, including a breakdown of cartilage, body-wide immune system problems, localized infections and dietary imbalances. Symptoms include pain, inflammation, joint instability or weakness, restricted movement within the joint, and even a total loss of joint function and will depend on both the type and severity of the disease.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is caused by a breakdown of the the material that cushions the bone ends inside a joint, the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common form, develops when the body turns on its own healthy tissue (including the joints) and begins to destroy it. Less common but still well known is gout, caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals within a joint, often in the "bunion joint" of the big toe but also in the elbow, and infectious arthritis, which arises when bacteria invade a joint.

Symptoms of almost all types of arthritis include:

Treatment for the various kinds of arthritis may be as simple as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and engaging in a specific exercise/rehabilitation program, or as complex as undergoing major surgery. It all depends on the type and severity of the disease. And while arthritis may be completely eradicated in some lucky people, for others "symptom management" may be necessary for the rest of their lives.

Click here for Arthritis Type and Checklist Symptoms

Types of Arthritis of the Elbow

The more common types of arthritis of the elbow include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and post-injury arthritis. In addition, "tennis elbow" and "golfer's elbow" can be a problem for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common causes of pain and loss of function in the elbow,2 is not strictly a disease of the joints. In sense, the joints are innocent bystanders attacked by an immune system gone wild. Unable to tell the difference between "friendly" tissue belonging to the body and "enemy" substances like bacteria and cancer cells that need to be destroyed, the immune system can assault the body's own organs and tissues, including the joint linings (synovium). The synovium produces the nourishing fluid that bathes the cartilage: when it is attacked, inflammation sets in, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and limitation of movement. As the disease process continues, enzymes associated with inflammation can destroy both cartilage and bone, causing the joint to become misshapen. Eventually, the joint may become nearly "locked" in place and useless.

Joint pain and inflammation are typical early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and pain generally strikes "matching joints" simultaneously: that is, both elbows, both knees, both ankles and so on. Another sign is pain located on the outside of the elbow joint (the part that faces up when your palm faces down). The pain may increase as you rotate your forearm. There may also be joint swelling, loss of mobility, and pea-shaped bumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules). A general feeling of sickness, aching, stiffness, fatigue and weakness may develop, as well as symptoms involving other areas of the body that are affected by the disease.

Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are the favored targets of rheumatoid arthritis, although it strikes both sexes and all ages.

Click here for more information on Rheumatoid Arthritis

2. Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

The most common form of arthritis in general, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage in a joint. This slick, super slippery material absorbs shock and makes it possible for bone ends to slide easily against each other. When it dries out, cracks or wears away, the ends of the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, roughened bone ends and small fractures of the bone. To compensate for the damage to the bone ends, bone spurs appear (think of calluses on the bone ends). Bone spurs make it even more difficult for the bone ends to move smoothly against each other as you bend and flex your arm.

Since the elbow is not a weight-bearing joint, osteoarthritis is less common at this site than it is at the hip, knee or ankle. However it does happen, often in response to an injury to the elbow that includes damage to the cartilage. Pain can occur not only when bending and straightening the arm, but also when using it in a straightened position, as when reaching for something or carrying a suitcase. It can also strike when you're resting your elbow (even while sleeping).

At first you may notice nothing more than pain that goes away with rest, or perhaps an over-the-counter pain medication. Later you may find that your elbow is becoming stiff, you can hear crackling sounds when you bend and straighten your arm, and you have to apply heat or cold to relieve the pain. Eventually, your elbow may hurt even when you're not using it.

The elbow joint is one of the least affected by osteoarthritis because of its well-matched joint surfaces and strong stabilizing ligaments. It typically develops only after trauma to the elbow from an injury or another disease such as gout. Metabolic problems, joint laxity ("wiggliness"), or poor joint alignment that allows the impact of movement to be spread improperly across the joint may also be responsible. Other risk factors include repetitive stress on the joint (e.g. hitting thousands of balls) and a family history of the disease.

Click here for more information on Osteoarthritis

3.Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow

The bones in the elbow joint don't move by themselves: the nearby muscles create movement by contracting and relaxing. The muscles are attached to the bones by tough yet flexible bands of tissue called tendons. Should the muscles or tendons on the outside of the elbow (the part that faces up when your palm faces down) become injured, you may develop a condition known as tennis elbow.

The outer bony prominence of the elbow is the lateral epicondyle, a part of the humerus bone. When tendons attached to this area are injured, inflammation or tendinitis sets in causing tennis elbow - known to doctors as lateral epicondylitis.

Pain on the outside of the elbow is the major symptom of tennis elbow. It may develop suddenly, but usually comes on slowly. The pain increases when you squeeze things, shake hands, open jars, use tools, or use a toothbrush.

You don't have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow, although up to half of all tennis players suffer from the condition at some point, compared to only 1-3% of the population overall.3 Treatment generally consists of rest and icing the painful area, avoiding tennis or other activities that aggravate the pain, taking oral NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen), injecting anti-inflammatory medication into the area, and undergoing physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and tendons involved. In a relatively small number of cases, surgery is necessary to repair torn muscles and/or tendons.

Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow, but strikes on the inner side of the elbow (the little finger side) where a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle of the humerus is found. Doctors refer to golfer's elbow as medial epicondylitis. It's also known as pitcher's elbow, and can strike anyone who performs repetitive motions with the forearm, wrist and hand. Besides golfers and baseball pitchers, this group includes bowlers, painters and those who use hammers and other tools involving forearm use.

For more information on sports and arthritis see JoMo for Athletes

Treatments and Supplements for Arthritis of the Elbow**

Unless an infection or other problem is present that requires immediate attention, early treatment for arthritis of the elbow typically includes:

• Rest
  
• Avoiding activities that cause pain
  
• Application of heat and cold
  
• Managing the pain with over-the-counter pain pills such as ibuprofen
  
• Treating any larger problem, such as an immune system disorder, with the appropriate medications

In addition, you may find that using handle extensions, jar openers and other devices can help you perform activities of daily living without excessive pain.

Other helpful treatments may include:

• Dietary Strategies
  
• Physical and other therapies
  
• Surgery

Treatment of arthritis may also be supported with JoMo, a maximum strength glucosamine and chondroitin based joint relief and cartilage support supplement.

Exercise and Caring for the Elbow**

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise your elbow when it hurts - especially if you're suffering from tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. But exercise can help do the following:

Click here for more information on Exercise and Arthritis.

Supplementation with JoMo, a 100% Natural Maximum Strength Liquid Glucosamine and Chondroitin based Joint Relief and Cartilage Support Supplement

Alone or in combination, the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have demonstrated their ability in numerous studies to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Normally found in healthy cartilage, glucosamine and chondroitin help keep the cartilage from drying out and "flattening." They also provide the building blocks for cartilage repair and growth.

The Mayo Clinic notes that, "The consensus of expert and industry opinion supports the use of chondroitin and its common partner agent, glucosamine, for improving symptoms and stopping (or possibly reversing) the degenerative process of osteoarthritis."4 The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons adds that recent studies appear to support the idea that glucosamine and chondroitin relieve osteoarthritis pain.5 - Learn More

JoMo's active 100% natural ingredients include:

JoMo is shellfish free, contains non-GMO glucosamine, and is 100% natural with no added sugar or artificial flavors.

Click here for more information on JoMo's Ingredients

Dietary Strategies for Athritis of the Elbow**

Healers have long searched for foods that relieve pain and other symptoms of arthritis. While a food that can eliminate arthritis has not yet been found, there are a number of dietary strategies that can be helpful, including the following:

• Reduce intake of inflammation-generating foods. Inflammation is a problem in numerous forms of arthritis, so it may be wise to cut back on foods associated with the inflammatory process. These foods include nightshade vegetables, meat, poultry, many fast foods, corn oil, safflower oil and other foods containing linoleic acid (which is converted within the body to arachidonic acid, a key player in the inflammation process.) Learn More
  
• Increase inflammation-reducing foods. Foods containing omega 3 fatty oils, such as salmon, green soybeans and butternuts, can potentially help dampen the inflammatory processes in the body. They won't eliminate inflammation, but decreasing it even a bit may be helpful. More on foods that decrease inflammation
  
• Increase nutrients that support strong bones to lessen risk of fracture. Bone fractures can set the stage for certain forms of elbow arthritis, so it's important to consume ample amounts of nutrients that support strong bones. These include calcium (found in milk, dried figs and cheese), vitamin D (vitamin D-fortified dairy products, cod liver oil) and vitamin K (founding broccoli, Romaine lettuce, spinach and other green leafy vegetables).
  
• Eat a balanced diet. Consume a healthy mix of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fats high in omega 3 fatty oils, to maintain healthy joints and joint supporting structures.

Click here for more information on Diet and Arthritis

Physical Therapy for the Elbow**

A number of therapies that involve physically manipulating the body or otherwise altering or influencing it are used to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and improve the body's ability to heal. These include:

• Acupuncture - Acting on the theory that blockages in the body's energy flow contribute to disease, acupuncturists insert fine needles into selected points in the body in order to unblock the energy flow and help the body heal itself.
  
• Chiropractic - In the belief that the body's natural healing properties are hampered when the spinal nerves are impinged upon, chiropractors manipulate the spine in order to correct misalignment and relieve the pressure.
  
• Electrical Stimulation - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used to introduce a mild electrical current into the painful area to reduce the perception of pain and/or "push" painkilling medicine through the skin and into the body.
  
• Infrared Sauna and Steam - Infrared radiation penetrates deeper into the body than the heat of a regular sauna, improving circulation and helping release toxins that contribute to the development of arthritis and/or worsening of its symptoms.
  
• Magnetic Therapy - Based on the theory that the body's self-healing properties depend on the proper electromagnetic balance, magnetic therapy is used to increase circulation and support the healing process.
  
• Massage Therapy - Massage therapy is designed to improve circulation, relieve stress and reduce symptoms by manipulating the soft tissues with motion, pressure and/or vibration.
  
• Osteopathy - A non-invasive form of treatment, osteopathy involves physical manipulation of the body to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and encourage the body's natural healing systems.
  
• Physical Therapy - Often working with physicians or in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, physical therapists use exercise, heat and cold therapies, massage and techniques to improve the joint's range of motion and function.
  
• Reiki - A Japanese therapy for reducing stress, Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves the "laying of the hands" by the practitioner near the surface of the skin to improve the patient's energy system.
  
• Ultrasound - High-energy sound waves that exceed the limits of human hearing are directed into and around the elbow to draw more blood, and hence more nutrients, into the joint tissues.

Click here for more information on Alternative Therapies

Elbow Surgery

Surgery is a last option for the treatment of arthritis of the elbow, utilized only after all other methods have been unsuccessful. The types of surgeries used for arthritis of the elbow include:

• Arthroscopic "clean up" - Bone spurs, loose bone fragments and pieces of damaged joint lining can be removed and uneven bone surfaces smoothed out, using tiny surgical implements inserted into the elbow joint through small incisions.
  
• Osteotomy - A portion of the bone is removed to relieve pressure on the joint.
  
• Joint replacement - Typically reserved for older patients, this involves removing the distressed bone ends and inserting an artificial elbow joint.

NOTE: The effectiveness of different treatments varies from person to person. Surgery can be very helpful but is always risky, so you should discuss it very carefully with your physician before making a decision.

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