Arthritis in the wrist is a common condition that affects the joints in the hand and can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. This can be caused by aging, joint instability, or an injury. Common symptoms include swelling, difficulty moving the wrist, and a grating sensation. If left untreated, arthritis in the wrist can result in chronic pain, loss of grip strength, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. The Institute’s Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery offers focused expertise for wrist arthritis, including surgical and non-surgical treatments that can help you get back to doing what you love without chronic pain or stiffness.
Arthritis in the Wrist
Treatments for Wrist Arthritis
When treating arthritis in the hands and upper extremities, we address the source of pain, not just the symptoms, to provide comprehensive relief. Our multifaceted approach combines non-surgical and surgical interventions tailored to each patient's specific needs. Non-surgical treatments aim to enhance joint function, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing processes while surgical procedures directly address the root causes of pain, allowing for long-term relief and improved joint mobility.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Rest and Immobilization
Resting the affected wrist and using a splint can help reduce inflammation and provide support for healing. Giving the joint a break allows it to recover and minimizes stress on the affected area, promoting natural healing processes.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility in the affected wrist. This can enhance overall joint function, reduce pain, and prevent further deterioration of the joint over time.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and manage inflammation. These medications help control symptoms, allowing individuals to maintain a better quality of life while undergoing other non-surgical treatments.
Corticosteroid Injections
Injecting corticosteroids into the joint can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. This minimally invasive procedure directly addresses pain and swelling, offering a targeted approach to managing symptoms associated with arthritis in the wrist.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on customized strategies and adaptive tools to make daily activities easier for individuals with arthritis in the wrist. This collaborative approach helps patients adapt and continue with their daily routines, promoting independence and improving overall hand function.
Surgical Treatments
Joint Denervation Surgery
Joint denervation involves disrupting pain signals from the affected joint, providing relief from chronic wrist pain. This surgical procedure selectively interrupts the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, offering a long-term solution for individuals with persistent pain.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny camera is inserted into the wrist to visualize and treat joint issues. This allows for precise examination and treatment of the affected joint, minimizing tissue damage and promoting a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Joint Fusion
Joint fusion involves permanently joining bones to reduce pain and improve stability in the wrist. This surgical procedure aims to eliminate motion in the affected joint, providing relief from pain by creating a stable and rigid structure.
Joint Replacement
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered, replacing the damaged joint with an artificial implant. This procedure aims to restore function and alleviate pain by replacing worn-out joint surfaces with a prosthetic device, improving overall joint mobility and reducing discomfort.
Synovectomy
Synovectomy involves removing the inflamed synovial lining of the joint to reduce pain and swelling. By eliminating the diseased tissue, this surgical procedure aims to improve joint function and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation in the wrist.
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Why Patients Trust the Center for Hand & Upper Extremity
Our state-of-the-art care centers, paired with our team of fellowship-trained, board-certified doctors, deliver comprehensive care for the treatment of arthritis in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and fingers. We offer the most advanced procedures, addressing arthritis at the source to alleviate chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.
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When to Seek Medical Attention
If you're experiencing persistent symptoms of DIP/PIP finger arthritis, such as ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced finger mobility that hinders your daily activities, it's time to seek professional medical attention. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage the condition effectively and prevent further joint damage, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your hand health.
FAQs
Some people with arthritis report increased pain or stiffness during changes in weather, particularly in cold and damp conditions. While the scientific evidence is inconclusive, staying warm and maintaining joint flexibility through exercises can help manage symptoms.
