Wrist Arthritis
Wrist Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Arthritis is a condition that affects joints, causing inflammation, pain, and limited mobility. Wrist arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the wrist, a complex joint that is critical for hand function.
Causes of Wrist Arthritis
Wrist arthritis can be caused by various factors, including age-related wear and tear, injury, and genetic predisposition. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is a degenerative disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones in the joints wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, is another type of arthritis that can affect the wrist and cause inflammation and joint damage.
Symptoms of Wrist Arthritis
The symptoms of wrist arthritis can vary depending on the severity and type of arthritis, but common symptoms include:
• Pain: Wrist arthritis causes pain that can be mild to severe, and can worsen with movement.
• Stiffness: Wrist arthritis can cause the joint to stiffen, making it difficult to move the wrist.
• Swelling: Swelling in the wrist can occur due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the joint.
• Deformity: Advanced wrist arthritis can cause the bones in the wrist to change shape, leading to deformities.
Treatment of Wrist Arthritis
Treatment for wrist arthritis aims to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow down the progression of the disease. Non-surgical treatments for wrist arthritis include:
• Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint strength and range of motion, and reduce pain.
• Assistive devices: Braces, splints, and wrist supports can help reduce pain and provide stability to the wrist.
In severe cases of wrist arthritis, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore joint function. Surgical options for wrist arthritis include joint fusion, joint replacement, and wrist joint realignment.
Wrist arthritis is a common condition that affects the wrist joint and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The condition can be caused by various factors, including age-related wear and tear, injury, and genetic predisposition. Treatment for wrist arthritis includes non-surgical options, such as pain relief medication, physical therapy, and assistive devices, as well as surgical options, such as joint fusion and joint replacement. Early diagnosis and treatment of wrist arthritis can help improve joint function and reduce pain.
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