Arthritis Wrist Pain Relief

Wrist arthritis can be painful and restrict your movements. Treating it can help you regain range of motion and manage pain. The type of pain you are experiencing and the type of arthritis you have can influence the course of treatment, but there are many non-intrusive general treatments. More severe pain and serious restriction of movement may require more specialized surgery.

Seek Professional Advice

• Wrist arthritis can be caused by a traumatic injury, wrist instability or joint inflammation. An orthopedist will diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment.

  Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when joints, cartilage and bones are infiltrated by an inflammatory disease and a breakdown in the immune system causes them to weaken; it usually symmetrically affects both sides of the body. Osteoarthritis damages the cartilage at the ends of the bonds and is attributed to the aging process. There are many general treatments for wrist arthritis, but more specialized surgical procedures may be needed in severe cases of motion restriction and excruciating pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

• Ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can help alleviate pain. Patients with heart conditions should not take these drugs as they can promote kidney failure. Other less severe side effects may include nausea, vomiting or dizziness, but most patients tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs without problems. For best results, ask your physician which anti-inflammatory to use since they work slightly differently.

Change Your Activities

• Limiting your activities or modifying how you perform some of them may minimize your pain. A splint could also help alleviate pain. Sometimes rest can also provide relief.

Therapy

• Physical therapy or following a regimen of specific exercises can help strengthen the wrist and increase range of motion. Exercises focus on stretching and rotating fingers and the wrist. Therapy may be recommended instead of, or after, a surgical procedure.

Heat or Ice

• Heat may help loosen the muscles early in the day. Ice can help alleviate pain at the end of the day or after a painful activity.

Surgery

• Depending on the type of arthritis and the severity, surgery may be the best treatment. Surgery can improve range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent or repair deformity.

  Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may develop inflammation along the tendons on the back of their hands and fingers. Sometimes a lump appears or the tendon tears, which restricts movement. A tenosynovechtomy can prevent ruptured tendons. A synovectomy may alleviate pain and prevent deformity. Sometimes joint fusion or joint replacement surgeries are done for certain types of arthritis.