Wrist Arthritis

Wrist arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the wrist joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced movement. The wrist is a complex joint made up of multiple small bones, and arthritis can affect one or several areas.

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time, particularly with activity or heavy use of the hand. In some cases, previous injury to the wrist, such as a fracture or ligament damage, can increase the risk of developing arthritis.

At iiS Health, diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical assessment and imaging where required. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and functional needs, with a focus on relieving pain and preserving movement

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Diagnosis is usually made through a detailed clinical assessment, including discussion of your symptoms and examination of the wrist.

If required, further investigations may include:

• X-rays to assess joint space narrowing and bone changes
• Imaging such as CT or MRI scans in more complex cases

These tests help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

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Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

• Activity modification and load management
• Wrist splinting to support the joint
• Anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
• Steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
• Hand therapy to improve strength and movement

If symptoms persist or become more severe, surgical treatment may be recommended to reduce pain and improve function.

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When non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, surgical options may be considered.

The type of procedure depends on the severity and location of the arthritis. Options may include:

• Wrist arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) to clean the joint
• Partial wrist fusion to stabilise specific areas
• Total wrist fusion to eliminate pain in severe cases
• Wrist joint replacement in selected patients

The aim of surgery is to reduce pain and improve overall hand function.

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Recovery depends on the type of treatment performed.

After surgical treatment:

• A splint or cast may be used initially to support the wrist
• Hand therapy is often recommended to restore movement and strength
• Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed

Most patients experience gradual improvement in pain and function, although some loss of movement may be expected in certain procedures.

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As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, although these vary depending on the operation performed.

Possible complications include:

• Infection
• Swelling or stiffness
• Scar sensitivity
• Ongoing pain
• Nerve irritation or injury
• Delayed bone healing or non-union if a fusion procedure is performed
• Implant-related problems if a joint replacement is performed

Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of any recommended procedure before treatment.

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You should seek medical advice if you experience persistent wrist pain, stiffness or reduced function, particularly if symptoms are affecting daily activities.

Early assessment is important, as untreated arthritis can progress over time and lead to permanent joint damage and loss of movement.

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