Wrist Arthritis: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Your wrists are essential to nearly every movement of your hands—typing, lifting, and even simple motions like turning a doorknob. But when wrist arthritis develops, these tasks can become painful and frustrating. Whether it’s stiffness in the morning, swelling after activity, or a bump on the wrist that wasn’t there before, arthritis in the wrist can affect your quality of life.

 “Arthritis is often thought of as a problem that only affects the knees or hips, but the wrist is just as vulnerable—especially if you have a history of repetitive use or past injuries,” explains Dr. Ajul Shah, a surgeon with The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery.

The good news is that there are treatments for arthritis in the wrist, ranging from non-surgical therapies to advanced surgical procedures. By understanding the symptoms and seeking treatment early, you can be well on your way to moving comfortably again.

What is Wrist Arthritis?

Arthritis in the wrist occurs when the cartilage in your wrist joint wears down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Over time, the lack of cushioning between the wrist bones can cause discomfort during movement, making simple tasks more difficult.

Common causes of wrist arthritis pain include:

• Osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear over time
• Post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop after a wrist injury or fracture
• Rheumatoid arthritis wrist involvement, where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues

Identifying Symptoms of Wrist Arthritis

If you’re wondering what arthritis feels like in the wrist, symptoms usually vary depending on the severity and type of arthritis. However, the most common signs you may have wrist arthritis include:

• Crunching or clicking sounds when moving your wrist 
• Pain and swelling in your wrist, especially after activity or prolonged use
• Reduced mobility and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after long periods of inactivity

 “Patients often tell me their wrist pain started as a minor discomfort and gradually became more persistent,” says Dr. Shah. “Fortunately, recognizing these early warning signs can help prevent further joint damage and improve treatment outcomes.”

Diagnosis of Wrist Arthritis

Proper diagnosis is essential to determine whether wrist arthritis is behind your persistent wrist pain, stiffness, or swelling. To assess this, doctors use a combination of clinical assessments and imaging tools to pinpoint the source of pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. Here are some ways a doctor will assess for wrist arthritis:

• Clinical Examination: A doctor will examine your wrist for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. They may also check for an arthritis wrist bump, which can develop as joint surfaces deteriorate.
• X-rays and MRIs: X-rays can reveal bone spurs and joint space narrowing, while MRIs provide a detailed view of soft tissues, helping to confirm rheumatoid arthritis wrist involvement or other conditions.

How to Treat Arthritis in the Wrist

Treatment for wrist pain depends on several factors, such as the severity of your arthritis and how much it affects your daily function.

Non-Surgical Approaches

For first-time wrist arthritis concerns, doctors often try more conservative, non-surgical treatment methods first. Typically, these include: 

• Corticosteroid injections: These injections help provide temporary pain relief.
• Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises that improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain.
• Splinting or bracing: To help stabilize the joint and reduce strain.

Surgical Interventions

When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, a doctor may recommend wrist arthritis surgery. Effective surgical treatment options include:

• Joint denervation: This minimally invasive procedure removes the nerves responsible for transmitting the pain signals.
• Proximal row carpectomy: This removes small bones in the wrist to reduce pain and improve motion.
• Wrist fusion (arthrodesis): This stabilizes the wrist by fusing bones together, reducing pain at the cost of some mobility.
• Wrist replacement (arthroplasty): Arthroplasty replaces damaged joint surfaces with an artificial implant, preserving movement.

Get Expert Care for Wrist Pain Today

“Arthritis in the wrist doesn’t have to dictate your daily life,” Dr. Shah assures. Whether you’re dealing with mild wrist pain or advanced rheumatoid arthritis wrist symptoms, the right treatment plan can make a world of difference.

If you or someone you know has been living with arthritis wrist pain, we invite you to book an appointment with one of our world-renowned upper-extremity physicians.  

At The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, we treat chronic pain in hands, hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder arthritis, nerve injuries, and other common causes of chronic hand pain. 

If you are ready to explore surgical options for arthritis, contact Dr. Shah and the care team at The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, part of The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, for a consultation today.