Wrist Osteoarthritis Info
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Wrist osteoarthritis — understanding symptoms, non-surgical options, and when wrist replacement might be considered.
What you're feeling
You likely feel a deep ache in your wrist that feels like wear-and-tear arthritis. This pain often flares up after you use your hand for daily tasks. Simple actions like reaching behind your back to fasten a bra or tucking in a shirt can become difficult. You might notice the pain is worse when you wake up in the morning or after you have been active.
Your wrist may feel stiff and weak, making it hard to lift objects or turn a doorknob. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your wrist might feel unstable or destroyed. Many patients find that resting the hand helps, but the stiffness returns with movement. Even though wrist fusion is performed nearly 5 times more frequently than total wrist arthroplasty, your surgeon will discuss which path fits your life best.
You may worry about losing motion, but total wrist arthrodesis provides reliable pain relief for end-stage arthritis. While total wrist arthroplasty offers a more ambitious functional goal, it carries greater complication risks. Your surgeon will weigh your ability to follow strict activity limits against your desire to keep some wrist movement. For most people with severe pain, the goal is to stop the ache so you can return to the activities you love.
What's actually happening
Your wrist is made of eight small bones that slide smoothly against each other. In your case, the smooth coating on these bones, called cartilage, has worn away. This is wear-and-tear arthritis. Without this cushion, the bones rub directly together. This causes pain and stiffness, making simple tasks like turning a doorknob or lifting a cup difficult.
To fix this, your surgeon may recommend a procedure to join the bones together. This is called wrist fusion or arthrodesis. When the bones are fused, they move as one solid piece. This stops the painful rubbing but limits how much your wrist can bend or twist. No surgery can restore your wrist to full, normal motion. However, this fusion creates a stable wrist that is mostly pain-free.
There are different ways to perform this fusion. Some methods join the bones at the base of the wrist, while others join them in the middle. Each approach changes how your wrist moves slightly. For example, some techniques affect the "dart-throwing" motion you use in daily life more than others. While these changes alter your movement patterns, they are often necessary to stop the pain and provide a stable hand for work and play.
What we can do about it
You can start by trying self-management and physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to keep your wrist moving and strengthen the muscles around it. This approach aims to reduce pain and improve how you use your hand in daily life. You should give this non-surgical care a fair trial before considering more invasive steps.
If simple measures do not help, your surgeon may discuss medical options. Pain medication and anti-inflammatories can help manage discomfort. Injections, such as cortisone, hyaluronic acid, or PRP, may be offered to reduce swelling and pain. These treatments provide temporary relief to help you function better for a short time.
Surgery is considered when conservative care has reached its limit and pain remains severe. Your surgeon will explain if a procedure like wrist fusion or joint replacement is right for you. These operations aim to stop the pain and provide a stable wrist for your daily activities.
When to see someone
See your GP if you have persistent wrist pain that does not improve with rest. Ask for a specialist review if you notice weakness, instability, or if your wrist locks or gives way. Seek help if symptoms interfere with your sleep or work, or if you experience a sudden worsening of pain. While wrist fusion is performed nearly 5 times more frequently than total wrist arthroplasty, both procedures carry risks. Your surgeon may discuss options like joint replacement or fusion depending on your specific condition.
