What causes arthritis in the wrist?
The wrist joint is part of the skeletal system. Several bones come together to form the wrist joint.
Cartilage (a connective tissue) at the ends of bones allows them to glide against each other. Age and some health conditions can wear away this cartilage. When this happens, bone rubs against bone, causing swelling, pain and stiffness. This is arthritis.
What are the types of wrist arthritis?
Different types of arthritis can affect the wrist, including:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a wearing down of cartilage. It often develops as you get older. It’s typically the result of years of wear on the wrist joint. Some people have a condition called Kienbock’s disease that cuts off blood supply to the carpal bones in the wrist. This destroys cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: This type of arthritis develops after an injury like a broken bone or a sprain (ligament injury). Arthritis may develop years after an injury, even if bones and ligaments heal correctly.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It often starts in small joints like the wrists. The condition typically affects both sides of your body (both wrists). In this form, the immune system attacks and damages healthy cells, including cartilage.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriasis, another autoimmune disease, causes scaly skin patches. Some people with psoriasis also get psoriatic arthritis in the wrist and other joints.
- Gout: Gout occurs when your body has too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that forms when you digest food. The excess acid causes tiny, painful crystals to form in joints. Gout often affects toes first, but it can affect wrists and other small joints.
What are the symptoms of wrist arthritis?
Symptoms vary depending on the cause. For some people, symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life. For others, symptoms are mild and may come and go.
Wrist pain is one of the first signs of arthritis in the wrist. The pain may worsen when you rotate your palm or try to open jars or turn doorknobs. You may also experience:
- Reduced range of motion.
- Red, warm or swollen joints.
- Stiffness that’s worse in the morning and improves throughout the day.
- Wrist and hand weakness.
FAQs
For wrist arthritis, we generally try non-surgical treatment options first, such as:
- Activity modification or immobilization of the hand.
- Bracing.
- Corticosteroid injection into the wrist.
- Pain medication or anti-inflammatories.
- Physical therapy.
For others, symptoms are mild and may come and go. Wrist pain is one of the first signs of arthritis in the wrist. The pain may worsen when you rotate your palm or try to open jars or turn doorknobs.
What are the 5 worse foods for arthritis? ›
Limiting intake of certain types of food may help a person manage symptoms of arthritis.
- Inflammatory fats. Several types of fat can increase inflammation in the body. ...
- Added sugar. ...
- High salt foods. ...
- Nightshades. ...
- Foods high in purines. ...
- Advanced glycation end (AGE) products. ...
- Processed and red meats. ...
- Refined carbohydrates.
While arthritis of the wrist cannot be cured, many patients experience significant relief with treatment. Those patients who do ultimately require surgery are often satisfied with the procedure, especially when it comes to pain relief. In many cases, some wrist motion can be preserved after surgery.
What is the best exercise for arthritis in wrists? ›
Hold one end of a lightweight dumbbell (two to five pounds) in your hand. Rotating your wrist from right to left, lift and lower the dumbbell in a windshield wiper motion. This motion contains ulnar and radial deviations, and strengthens the muscles and tendons on either side of your wrist and hand.
Can you reverse arthritis in wrist? ›
If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you will need to be seen by a rheumatologist in addition to our hand and wrist team. While there is no cure for arthritis, receiving proper early diagnosis is important in creating a treatment plan that can prevent permanent joint damage, reduce pain and improve function.
What is the best pain reliever for arthritis in the hands? ›
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib. Topical NSAIDs are the first topical treatment of choice for osteoarthritis.
Does squeezing a ball help arthritis? ›
Squeeze a Stress Ball
Stress balls make great grip strengtheners. As you strengthen your grip, you will find that it is easier for you to turn door knobs and hold things. Keep in mind that you should only perform this particular exercise a few times a week (with 48 hours between your sessions).
What is the number one food that kills inflammation? ›
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One form of these powerful inflammation fighters is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, striped bass and anchovies. You can get the benefit from eating the fish or by taking fish oil supplements. Vegetarians and vegans have options, too.
Are bananas good for arthritis? ›
Bananas are high in magnesium, which helps strengthen bones and alleviate arthritis symptoms. Dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain iron that helps fight anemia resulting from anti-inflammatory medications.
Staying hydrated is vital when you live with arthritis. Hydration is key for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation, and well-hydrated cartilage reduces the rate of friction between bones, meaning you can move more easily.
What fruit is not good for arthritis? ›
Some experts believe that citrus fruits, such as lemons, may not be helpful, but other evidence suggests the flavonoids in citrus fruits may be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties. More research is needed.
Are eggs bad for arthritis? ›
Aside from being a great source of protein, eggs are a natural source of vitamin D and some are fortified with omega-3's. Both omega-3's and vitamin D have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Consuming two eggs per week as part of a well-balanced diet is recommended for most adults.
How do you stop arthritis pain in your hands and wrists? ›
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
These drugs reduce pain and swelling in affected joints. Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib. Topical NSAIDs are the first topical treatment of choice for osteoarthritis.
Does a wrist brace help arthritis? ›
Hand and wrist splints are designed to protect and support painful, swollen or weak joints and their surrounding structures by making sure your hand and wrist are positioned correctly. Splints can be used for joints affected by arthritis or for other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is the best over-the-counter for arthritis wrist pain? ›
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help relieve occasional pain triggered by activity your muscles and joints aren't used to — such as gardening after a winter indoors.
