Osteoarthritis of Wrist

Wrist osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes inflammation and pain in the wrist. The wrist is made up of numerous small bones linking the hand to the forearm, allowing for movements like straightening, bending, and rotation. When osteoarthritis develops in this joint, it can lead to discomfort, inflammation and swelling. This makes daily activities more challenging to accomplish.

Types of Wrist Osteoarthritis

Wrist osteoarthritis can develop in various regions of the joint, and medical professionals categorize it depending on the location of swelling. They comprise:

• Distal Radioulnar Osteoarthritis: Occurs at the intersection of the radius and ulna bones in the forearm.
• Midcarpal Osteoarthritis: Affects the eight small carpal bones within the wrist.
• Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis: Develops in the area where the forearm bones (radius and ulna) connect with the carpal bones.

Symptoms

Wrist osteoarthritis symptoms can differ based on the severity and underlying cause. While some individuals may have mild, intermittent discomfort, others experience persistent, debilitating symptoms that interfere with day-to-day activities. Pain is one of the earliest signs, particularly during wrist rotation or when twisting a doorknob or opening a jar.

Other symptoms of wrist osteoarthritis include:

• Limited range of motion
• Redness, swelling or warmth within the joints
• Wrist weakness

Causes

A number of bones intersect at the wrist joint, which is a crucial component of the skeletal structure. By preventing the bones from brushing against one another, cartilage (a kind of connective tissue) at the ends of these bones facilitates smooth movement. Bone-on-bone contact may occur due to the gradual deterioration of this cartilage; and it is often caused by aging or other medical disorders. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis—pain, stiffness and swelling— often result from this friction.

Diagnosis

Clinicians at The Joint Pain Clinic diagnose osteoarthritis of the wrist through a physical examination, evaluating a range of motion and checking for inflammation signs. If necessary, they may order further diagnostic tests to confirm the condition.

Treatment and Management

Non-surgical options:

When it comes to treating and managing wrist osteoarthritis, non-surgical treatments are usually our first choice. In most cases, we may recommend the following:

• Adjusting daily activities or using immobilization techniques
• Wearing a brace
• Injecting steroids into the wrist
• Taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy

Surgical options:

Surgery might be necessary if non-surgical treatments for wrist osteoarthritis are ineffective, and the discomfort gets worse. Our surgeons will guide you in choosing the most suitable procedure, which usually includes the following:

• Total wrist arthroplasty (wrist replacement): This procedure is done to replace the damaged wrist joint with an artificial one made of plastic, metal, silicone or other components. It enhances the range of motion and stability. Usually conducted under general anesthesia, surgery may necessitate an overnight hospital stay. Your surgeon will inform you of the procedure process, and explain its risks and benefits.
• Total wrist fusion: Recommended for younger persons who rely heavily on hand function for their job. This procedure involves fusing all wrist bones to eliminate movement. While it eases pain and fixes deformities, it also results in the permanent loss of wrist mobility.

Preventing Wrist Osteoarthritis

Although wrist osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, reducing strain on the joint can assist in managing the condition effectively. Using a brace when engaging in activities that put the wrist under too much stress can help alleviate pressure and avoid more damage.