What is Arthritis of the Wrist?
Arthritis of the wrist is a condition characterized by the degeneration or inflammation of the joints within the wrist, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Similar to other types of arthritis, it occurs when the cartilage—the smooth, protective layer that cushions the ends of bones—gradually deteriorates or becomes injured. Without this cartilage, bones begin to rub directly against each other, resulting in discomfort, joint instability, and functional limitations.
The wrist is a complex joint composed of eight small carpal bones and two long forearm bones—the radius and the ulna. These bones are connected by a network of ligaments and cartilage that enable smooth and coordinated hand movements. When arthritis affects this region, the intricate structure of the wrist can be significantly impaired, making it difficult to perform daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, or lifting.
Several types of arthritis may affect the wrist, including:
- Wrist osteoarthritis: Often related to age or previous injuries, this is a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium), leading to chronic inflammation and joint damage.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Can develop after an injury to the wrist, such as a fracture or dislocation, even years after the initial trauma.
- Psoriatic arthritis and lupus-related arthritis: These inflammatory conditions may also involve the wrist, contributing to persistent pain and joint dysfunction.
Wrist arthritis can range from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain. Over time, if left untreated, it can result in joint deformity and loss of function.
Symptoms of Arthritis of the Wrist
Arthritis of the wrist can present with a variety of symptoms that gradually worsen over time, impacting an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain hand function. While symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis, the most common signs include:
Pain and Tenderness: Persistent or intermittent pain in the wrist is often the earliest and most noticeable symptom. This discomfort may worsen with activity, especially during gripping or lifting motions, and may subside with rest in early stages.
Swelling: Inflammation around the wrist joint can cause visible swelling, which may fluctuate depending on activity levels or underlying inflammatory processes.
Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: Individuals with wrist arthritis often experience stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity or upon waking. This stiffness can limit the wrist’s range of motion, making it difficult to rotate or bend the joint fully.
Weakness or Decreased Grip Strength: As the joint becomes more inflamed and cartilage deteriorates, patients may notice reduced strength in the wrist and hand. Everyday actions such as opening jars, turning doorknobs, or carrying items may become increasingly difficult.
Grinding or Clicking Sensation: The loss of cartilage may cause a sensation of grinding, popping, or clicking when moving the wrist. This is a result of bone-on-bone contact within the joint.
Joint Deformity: In advanced cases, structural changes may occur in the wrist joint, leading to visible deformities such as abnormal angling or bony protrusions.
Warmth and Redness: In inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the wrist may feel warm to the touch and appear red due to increased blood flow and immune system activity in the area.
These symptoms not only impair mobility but can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, especially if the condition progresses without appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of Arthritis of the Wrist
At Academy Orthopedics, diagnosing arthritis of the wrist begins with a comprehensive evaluation conducted by one of our skilled orthopedic specialists. Our team carefully assesses your symptoms, medical history, and any limitations in wrist function to determine the most accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. The diagnostic process typically includes the following components:
Clinical Examination: Your physician will perform a detailed physical exam, checking for swelling, tenderness, stiffness, deformity, and reduced range of motion in the wrist. Grip strength and specific functional tests may also be used to localize the source of discomfort and evaluate the impact on daily activities.
Imaging Studies:
- X-rays: Standard wrist X-rays are often the first imaging tool used to assess joint space narrowing, bone spurs, misalignment, or other structural changes.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In certain cases, MRI may be recommended for a more detailed view of soft tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, and the synovium, especially if early arthritis or soft tissue injury is suspected.
- CT Scans: When precise detail of the bone structure is required, particularly in complex cases, CT scans provide additional clarity.
- Laboratory Testing: If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, we may order blood tests to identify systemic markers of inflammation.
- Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis): In select cases, our physicians may extract fluid from the wrist joint for laboratory analysis. This can help identify conditions such as gout, infection, or other inflammatory disorders.
By combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic tools, Academy Orthopedics delivers precise and timely diagnoses that allow for tailored, patient-focused treatment strategies aimed at preserving wrist function and quality of life.
Treatment for Arthritis of the Wrist
At Academy Orthopedics, we understand that effective treatment for wrist arthritis begins with a personalized approach, starting with conservative methods and progressing to surgical options only when necessary. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain, preserving wrist function, and improving quality of life.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of defense against wrist arthritis and focus on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. These may include:
- Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that exacerbate wrist pain helps minimize joint stress and inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, analgesics or other pain management medications may be recommended.
- Splinting and Bracing: Custom or prefabricated wrist splints help stabilize the joint, reduce motion that aggravates pain, and provide support during daily activities or rest.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the wrist joint can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain, especially during flare-ups. These injections may be used periodically based on individual patient needs.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: Tailored exercises can improve wrist strength and flexibility, while occupational therapy may offer strategies to adapt activities and protect the joint.
If these conservative measures do not adequately control pain or functional limitations, surgical options may be considered.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery for wrist arthritis is typically reserved for patients who continue to experience significant pain, stiffness, or functional impairment despite non-surgical interventions. The choice of surgical procedure depends on the severity and pattern of arthritis, patient age, activity level, and overall health. Common surgical options include:
Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC)
This procedure entails the removal of the proximal row of wrist bones—specifically, three of the small carpal bones—to relieve pain while preserving partial wrist motion. PRC is generally considered when arthritis is moderate and localized to certain areas of the wrist, offering a balance between pain relief and retention of some wrist mobility.
Arthrodesis (Wrist Fusion)
Arthrodesis involves surgically removing the damaged joint surfaces and fusing the wrist bones together using plates, screws, or pins. While this procedure eliminates all motion at the fused joint, it provides excellent pain relief and creates a very stable and durable wrist. This option is often preferred for younger, more active patients or those who require a strong, pain-free wrist.
Arthroplasty (Wrist Joint Replacement)
In this procedure, the damaged wrist joint surfaces are removed and replaced with an artificial implant designed to restore some motion and reduce pain. Arthroplasty is most often recommended for older patients or those with lower physical demands, as the lifespan of the implant may be limited.
Other Procedures
Depending on individual cases, other surgical techniques such as partial wrist fusions or tendon transfers may be utilized to optimize outcomes.
Don’t Let Wrist Arthritis Hold You Back — Get Expert Care at Academy Orthopedics Today
If you’re struggling with wrist pain, stiffness, or limited movement caused by arthritis, timely intervention is essential. At Academy Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic specialists utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools alongside individualized treatment plans tailored to your condition. From conservative therapies to advanced surgical options, we are dedicated to restoring your wrist function and enhancing your overall quality of life.
We partner with you throughout your recovery journey, offering compassionate support and expert guidance designed specifically for your unique needs. Whether your arthritis is in its early stages or more advanced, our team is committed to delivering effective treatments that relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to your favorite activities.
Contact Academy Orthopedics today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and begin your path to renewed wrist health.