Arthritic Elbow... is a pain

alanthemanc

Hi,
Over the last 2 months my right elbow has really started to go pear shaped. At night it is really a problem because you lean on your elbows to get a good sleeping position.
I've not had a good nights sleep for weeks, and can feel the joint has " gone". Has anyone on here ever got R.A. in their elbows, because I've never heard of it, and can only see trouble ahead. Thanks, Alanthemanc

dreamdaisy

If it's a joint then it can have arthritis within. I am sorry, mate, and I empathise as I currently am 'enjoying' the complications caused by a broken left arm. I totally get the lack of sleep thing - it's not fun is it? You may need a meds review to help tackle this, when are you next due to see your rheumatologist? DD

stickywicket

Yup. I do the elbow thing too to the point where they don't properly straighten now. Coupled with the lack of shoulder movement it makes my regular blood tests tricky for all concerned.

They are useful things, elbows - as one discovers when they become useless :roll: I don't use mine to turn over in bed. I 'dig in' first with the heel that's on the side I want to turn towards then fling my body over. If the pain is really bad during the day a sling can help to immobilise it for a time. At night there's only dullers.

I've never had a steroid jab in an elbow but see no reason why they shouldn't do them. Why not ask?

jillyb1

I have dodgy elbows too , they are both permanently fused at an odd angle and very painful .
Jillyb

villier

I have had problems with my elbow in the past not due to Arthritis but a tennis elbow, yes they can do steroid jabs there I know the relief I got from them. Will they help for Arthritis I don't know it is worth a chat with your GP Alan, hope you can get some relief soon.....................Marie x

suzygirl

I am still struggling with my elbow, 13 months on, I did have an injection into the joint but the pain just returned. Possibly because an elbow is impossible to rest. I have been offered another injection, but haven't bothered as I think it will just return again.

I am learning crutches and holding a bag on that arm aggravate it more, along with trying to use cutlery etc. Personally it makes me very grumpy, so you have my sympathies.

dreamdaisy

Hi Alan, how are things today? DD

barbara12

Hi Alan
Sorry you are now suffering with your elbows...I remember many many years ago my late mum suffering from tennis elbow and the pain she was in..they gave steroid injections then...could you not ask about these..or do they not give these with RA..hope you get some relief very soon.

alanthemanc

D.D./ Barbara / Stickywicket
Another dreadful nights sleep, awake at 3.30, and that's after taking 30mg of amitriptyline, painkillers, etc.
My right elbow seems as though it has exploded, and when a make a twisting motion with it, you can hear the crunch.
Stickywicket, I've only just realised that I can't straighten both my arms. This is not good.
D.D. Spoke with the R.A. Nurse, and she has doubled the dose of Toxiflumab, and said wait and see if it helps. I'm praying.... please , this has got to work.
Once again, thanks for concern, always good to hear from the gang on here/ Alanthemanc

stickywicket

As/when/if it eases up a bit why not ask for some physio? This is the point at which you need to put a lot of effort into keeping the movement you still have. Mine don't straighten but I don't think they're getting any worse thanks to the exercises I do.