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Discover how wrist joint osteoarthritis can be diagnosed and treated
As it is not a weight-bearing joint, significant wrist osteoarthritis often only develops in individuals who have sustained previous trauma to the joint or who have been involved with occupations or recreational use of the wrist involving sustained, heavy loads being placed through the joint.
Pain with weight bearing through the wrists and hands as well as movements involving rotation of the forearm and wrists such as turning a key in a lock are often the main aggravating activities. If wrist osteoarthritis becomes more severe the movements of the wrist may become increasingly stiff.
In the majority of cases, the symptoms of wrist OA can be managed effectively by non-invasive measures as described below.
Wearing a wrist splint intermittently when performing certain tasks may reduce stresses on the wrist joint and reduce subsequent pain.
Regular exercises to maintain flexibility and strength to the affected wrist joint:
[Contrast bathing video] https://youtu.be/5g3yKlVViIo [Wrist extension prayer stretch] https://youtu.be/Db1_y7GpEP05×30 second holds, 2x per day
Over-the-counter analgesia is available through pharmacies when needed. Paracetamol is most commonly prescribed. Anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen are also used, but as there is little or no inflammation involved in osteoarthritis these are best avoided without discussing with your GP. Side effects are even more common than with paracetamol so please ensure to take appropriate medical advice. There is a good booklet on the Arthritis Research UK website with information about the various drug options.
For individuals with moderate wrist osteoarthritis who continue to suffer disabling symptoms in spite a course of non-surgical management (outlined above), a corticosteroid injection can be offered as the next line of treatment. You can read more about local corticosteroid injections here.
Wrist arthrodesis (fusion) and in rare circumstances wrist replacement surgery can be considered for individuals who:
Further information about Osteoarthritis – Arthritis Research UK
Consultant Orthopaedic & Hand Surgeon
MB BS, FRCS London, FRCS Edinburgh, FRCS Orthopaedics, Dip.Hand Surg (Euro)
The Priory Hospital
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MB ChB, ChM, FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Ross Hall Hospital 1 more Kings Park Hospital
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB, FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Woodlands Hospital
Consultant Hand & Wrist Surgeon
MBChB, FRCS (Tr&Orth), MSc (Hand Surgery)
The Highfield Hospital 1 more The Alexandra Hospital
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS MS(Orth), FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Ed), FRCS(Glas), FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Goring Hall Hospital
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
BSc (Hons), MB BS (Lond), FRCS (Tr & Orth)
The Runnymede Hospital