What are the different types of hand and wrist arthritis?
Written by:
Orthopaedic surgeon
Published: 12/06/2023
Edited by: Conor Lynch
In this article below, Mr Andrew Fitzgerald, a highly experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon, outlines the various different types of arthritis that can affect one’s wrist and hand, and tells us what treatment measures are available to patients suffering from arthritis in the wrist and hand.
What are the different types of arthritis that can affect the wrist and hand?
The common types of arthritis that can affect the wrist and hand include the following:
rheumatoid arthritis gout certain skin conditions osteoarthritis
What are the symptoms of arthritis in the wrist and hand?
The common symptoms include pain and restrictions with movement of the joints.
How is arthritis of the wrist and hand diagnosed?
The condition is diagnosed initially via a clinical assessment of the patient. The actual investigations usually start with an X-ray of the wrist and hand, which will often show changes in the bone in patients with osteoarthritis.
Are there any non-surgical treatments for arthritis of the wrist and hand?
Non-surgical treatments for arthritis of the wrist and hand are the first line of treatment. Simple measures include anti-inflammatory medication, painkillers, and splints. Treatments beyond this include injections into the wrist and hand. Surgical intervention may be required if these measures are unsuccessful.
What are the risks and benefits of surgery for arthritis of the wrist and hand?
The surgery depends on the nature of the problem. Surgery can be extremely effective when it comes to getting rid of the pain in the hand and wrist. The main downside is the recovery time, as patients are in a splint and plaster for two weeks initially, and then another splint for a full month. There are other options such as joint replacement surgery, and denervation of the wrist joint particularly.
If you would like to schedule in an appointment with Mr Andrew Fitzgerald, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.