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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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Lilith

I have been with Dr. Donegan for over a year. He has treated me for a shoulder injury. I have been so thrilled with my care. Everyone at BGO has been courteous, caring and professional. Dr. D is highly experienced and goes above and... I have been with Dr. Donegan for over a year. He has treated me for a shoulder injury. I have been so thrilled with my care. Everyone at BGO has been courteous, caring and professional. Dr. D is highly experienced and goes above and beyond to make sure I will be healthy and healed. I HIGHLY recommend Bluegrass Ortho for physical therapy as well.

Beth Bradford

An excellent Doctor My wait was very short and his exam and explanations were excellent.

Anonymous

I liked him he's very nice. Great bedside manner!

melissa proctor

He was the first orthopedic doctor who took my pain seriously. I felt validated and heard. For years I went unheard. Dr Lockstadt has a great bed side manner, as well as Jim his PA is awesome. I would strongly recommend him. He was the first orthopedic doctor who took my pain seriously. I felt validated and heard. For years I went unheard. Dr Lockstadt has a great bed side manner, as well as Jim his PA is awesome. I would strongly recommend him.

Anonymous

He is absolutely the best foot dr! !! I would recommend him to anyone! !!

Beverly Sparrow

He repaired my wifes broken leg bone fracture with stainless steel and 6 or 7 screws and did an amazing job. great guy to talk to ,very concerned about patients healing process and their general health,will recomend him to every one.... He repaired my wifes broken leg bone fracture with stainless steel and 6 or 7 screws and did an amazing job. great guy to talk to ,very concerned about patients healing process and their general health,will recomend him to every one. Other surgens also would use him if they needed surgery

Anonymous

I highly recommend Dr. Christensen. Excellent service, care, expertise, professionalism, and personal attention. Had total hip surgery with no complications and speedy recovery. What a blessing!

Anonymous

Great physician and very knowledgeable!!!

Tiffany W.

I love Dr. Lockstadt! He’s great! My most recent appointment with him went wonderful! He listened to my concerns and scheduled injections for me for my SI joints, scheduled an MRI of my back, and upped my gabepentin which the... I love Dr. Lockstadt! He’s great! My most recent appointment with him went wonderful! He listened to my concerns and scheduled injections for me for my SI joints, scheduled an MRI of my back, and upped my gabepentin which the insurance company had lowered because they didn’t want to pay for 3 times a day. In just 1 day back on 3 doses my back pain is so much milder! Thank you so much Dr. Lockstadt!!!

Deborah Moyers

Total knee teplacement Picked him because of his excellent track record with knees, not disappointed at all, has a great bedside manner and easy to talk with

Anonymous

Dr. O'Neill did surgery on my finger. He did a wonderful job and all of his office staff and surgery center staff are awesome.

Anonymous

I have been a patient of Dr. Lockstadt for 22 years. I would recommend him to anyone. He is an excellent Dr.. His staff has always been courteous.

Anonymous

I am from Bowling Green, Ky. I have seen Dr. O'Neill for a broken wrist and a joint replacement on the right long finger. I am very please with Dr. O'Neill work. My husband has also had a finger work on after a table saw accident. We... I am from Bowling Green, Ky. I have seen Dr. O'Neill for a broken wrist and a joint replacement on the right long finger. I am very please with Dr. O'Neill work. My husband has also had a finger work on after a table saw accident. We are very happy to have someone like Dr. O'Neill to help in case we need him. If anyone needs any kind of surgery you want go wrong if you check with his office. His staff is very nice also. The Davis' from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Larry and Linda Davis

Visit was perfect! Nobody wants to hear they need shoulder replacement surgery, but that was exactly what I heard. Dr Donegan cheerful, professional, and showed a funny side that was reassuring. The surgery went well as expected Visit was perfect! Nobody wants to hear they need shoulder replacement surgery, but that was exactly what I heard. Dr Donegan cheerful, professional, and showed a funny side that was reassuring. The surgery went well as expected

Anonymous

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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