Types

The most common types of arthritis that affect the wrist are:

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can develop as the result of normal wear and tear on the wrist, and is common among people who have a family history of arthritis.

With Osteoarthritis, articular cartilage wears away, causing the bones to rub one another. There is little blood supply which limits the body’s ability to heal or regenerate and, over time, the cartilage becomes rough and the bones rub together, leading to pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The standard defense would normally be to protect it from infection, but instead it causes damage to normal tissue (such as cartilage and ligaments) and can soften the bone.

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the joint between the radius and ulna, the two bones of the forearm. The deformity in the ulna can cause wearing and possible rupture of the tendons that straighten the fingers. This can cause deformity and loss of function in the hands.

Post Traumatic Arthritis: Post traumatic arthritis can develop over many years after an initial injury. Despite proper treatment, injured joints can be more likely to become arthritic over time.

Post traumatic arthritis develops after an injury such as a broken wrist or torn ligament. The trauma leads directly to the wearing of the cartilage and the result is a change in the way the bones move together.

Symptoms

Symptoms and severity vary from person to person. Some do not experience any symptoms at all. Many who do become symptomatic during specific activities. Common symptoms include:

Pain
Swelling
Reduced range of motion or stiffness
Weakness in the joint

Treatments

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatments that can help to manage the discomfort. Treatment can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Non-Surgical:

It is common practice to start with non-surgical treatment to reduce symptoms

Activity Modification: Limiting or stopping the activities that increase pain is the first step to relieving the symptoms.
Splint: Wearing a splint can help support the joint and reduce stress during periods of activity.
Medication: Non-steroidal drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce pain and swelling.
Exercise: Specific exercises can improve the range of motion and function in the wrist. A doctor or physical therapist will develop an exercise program that meets the specific needs of the patient.

Surgical:

If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful, consult a doctor for a recommend surgical treatment.

The goal of surgical treatment is to reduce pain while maintaining hand function. There are many procedures and options based on the severity of the condition.

What Is Wrist Arthritis?

More Information About Wrist Arthritis

Types

Symptoms

Treatments

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