Wrist arthritis is characterized by stiffness, swelling, and pain in the wrists. Inflammation in the wrist joint can be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid Arthritis and wrist injuries. Anti-inflammatory drugs, wrist splints, and steroids can ease pain relief and swelling. People rarely need surgery to increase their range of motion or reduce pain.
OVERVIEW
What is wrist arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the wrist joint. Your wrist is made up of many small bones. It connects your forearm and hand. Your wrist joint allows you to bend, straighten, and rotate your hand. This joint is prone to inflammation and swelling from Arthritis.
What are the different types of wrist arthritis?
Joint inflammation can occur in various areas of the wrist. For example, there are three types of wrist arthritis:
- Distal radioulnar Arthritis is a condition where the radius bone meets with the ulna bones in the forearm.
- Midcarpal Arthritis develops at the eight small carpal bones of the wrist.
- Radiocarpal – Arthritis occurs where the forearm bones (the radius, ulna and carpal bones) meet.
SYMPTOMS & CAUSES
What causes Arthritis of the wrist?
The skeletal system includes the wrist joint. Several bones from the wrist joint.
Cartilage, a connective tissue at the ends of bones, allows them to glide against one another. This cartilage can be worn down by age and certain health conditions. This happens when bone rubs against another bone, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness. This is called Arthritis.
What are the different types of wrist arthritis?
Many types of Arthritis can affect the wrist.
- Osteoarthritis A wears down cartilage. As you age, it can often become more severe. This is usually due to years of wear on your wrist joint. Kienbock’s disease is a condition that reduces blood supply to the wrist and carpal bones. This causes osteoarthritis by destroying cartilage.
- Post-traumatic Arthritis, This form of Arthritis is caused by an injury such as broken bones or a strain (ligament injuries). Even if the bones and ligaments heal properly, Arthritis can develop many years after an injury.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition. It usually starts in the wrists and small joints. This condition can affect your wrists and the other side of your body. In this condition, the immune system damages and attacks healthy cells, including cartilage.
- Psoriatic arthritis Scaly skin patches caused by another autoimmune condition, Psoriasis. Psoriasis can also cause psoriatic joints at the wrist and in other joints.
- Gout is caused by too many uric acids in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product formed when you eat. Excess acid can cause tiny, painful crystals in your joints. Gout can often be felt first in the toes but can also affect the wrists and other small joints.
What are the symptoms of wrist arthritis?
The cause of the symptoms can vary. Some people experience severe symptoms that can interfere with their daily lives. Others may experience mild symptoms that disappear over time.
Wrist pain can be a sign of Arthritis. Rotating your palm, opening jars, or turning doorknobs can cause the pain to worsen. Other symptoms include:
- Restricted range of motion
- Red, hot or swollen joints
- Stiffness that gets worse in the morning but improves throughout the day.
- Hand weakness and wrist weakness
DIAGNOSIS AND TEST
What is wrist arthritis?
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to assess your range and check for inflammation. You may need to have the following:
- Blood tests detect inflammation, which can be a sign of rheumatoid or other conditions.
- To look for cartilage breakdown, take Xrays
MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT
What are non-surgical treatment options available for wrist arthritis?
The type of Arthritis you have will determine the treatment options for wrist arthritis. These include:
- Alternating between hot and cold compresses
- Braces and splints.
- To treat rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic medications ( DMARDs).
- A physician or therapist must approve hand exercises.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include pain-relieving creams.
- You can rest (or limit or stop any activities that could worsen wrist pain).
- Steroid injections.
What surgical options are available for wrist arthritis?
Surgery may be necessary if severe symptoms affect your daily life. There are several surgical options available:
- Proximal Row Carpectomy to remove some carpal bones from the wrist. This gives bones more space to move and is less painful.
- Denervation surgery to relieve pain by removing nerves from the wrist joint.
- Fusion surgery To join two or more wrist bones to avoid friction and rubbing.
- Joint replacement (wrist arthritis) replaces broken bones with artificial implants.
PREVENTION
What can I do to prevent wrist arthritis?
It is impossible to prevent Arthritis from affecting your wrists. To relieve pressure on your wrists when Arthritis has developed, you can use a splint.
OUTLOOK/PROGNOSIS
What are the prospects for wrist arthritis patients?
Many people suffering from wrist arthritis can manage their pain using NSAIDs, hand exercises, and other home remedies. Steroid injections are also an option.
Your healthcare provider may be able to discuss surgical options if you have severe wrist pain that is affecting your ability to live a full life.
