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Wrist Osteoarthritis
Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for wrist osteoarthritis, including patterns that follow an old wrist injury.
What is Wrist Osteoarthritis?
Wrist osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear arthritis affecting one or more of the joints that make up the wrist. It often develops many years after a wrist injury, such as a scaphoid fracture or a ligament tear, in a recognisable pattern sometimes called SLAC or SNAC wrist. It can also develop from general wear and tear over time without a clear preceding injury.
Wrist Osteoarthritis at a glance
What is it?
Wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the joints of the wrist
Common symptoms
Wrist pain worse with grip and activity, along with swelling, stiffness and weakness
Who it affects
People with a previous wrist fracture or ligament injury, and with general age-related wear
Is it serious?
Not dangerous, but can progressively limit grip strength and wrist movement
Treatment options
Splinting, activity changes, injection, or surgery
First step
A consultation and x-ray to confirm the pattern and severity of arthritis
Symptoms and how Wrist Osteoarthritis presents
The main symptoms are wrist pain that is worse with gripping and activity, along with swelling, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Grip strength is often reduced, and some people notice clicking or grinding with wrist movement.
Causes and risk factors for Wrist Osteoarthritis
- A previous wrist fracture, particularly of the scaphoid
- A previous wrist ligament injury, particularly of the scapholunate ligament
- General age-related wear and tear
- Repetitive heavy loading of the wrist
- Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis
How is Wrist Osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Wrist osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed from your history, including any previous wrist injuries, and an examination of the wrist. An x-ray confirms the diagnosis and shows which joints are affected and how advanced the wear is, which helps guide treatment.
Treatment options for Wrist Osteoarthritis
Mild to moderate symptoms are often helped by a wrist splint, activity modification, and simple pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication. A corticosteroid injection can help settle a painful flare-up in some cases.
If symptoms are severe or not controlled by these measures, surgery may be recommended. Depending on which joints are affected, options range from limited procedures that fuse only part of the wrist while preserving some movement, through to a full wrist fusion or other salvage procedures for advanced disease.
When to see a hand surgeon about Wrist Osteoarthritis
It is worth seeing a hand surgeon if you have persistent wrist pain, particularly if you have had a previous wrist injury, or if stiffness and weakness are affecting your grip and daily activities.
What to expect at your Wrist Osteoarthritis appointment
At your appointment, Dr Tomlinson will take a history, including any previous wrist injuries, examine your wrist, and arrange further imaging if needed. Together you will discuss the treatment options that suit your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
Wrist osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear arthritis affecting one or more of the joints that make up the wrist. It often develops many years after a wrist injury, such as a scaphoid fracture or a ligament tear, in a recognisable pattern sometimes called SLAC or SNAC wrist. It can also develop from general wear and tear over time without a clear preceding injury.
What causes it?
Wrist osteoarthritis is linked to a previous wrist fracture (particularly of the scaphoid), a previous wrist ligament injury (particularly of the scapholunate ligament), general age-related wear and tear, repetitive heavy loading of the wrist, and inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What can I do myself?
Mild to moderate symptoms are often helped by a wrist splint, activity modification, and simple pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication.
What can a hand therapist do?
A hand therapist can help with splinting and activity modification advice, and support hand function and strength if surgery is needed.
What can a hand surgeon do?
Dr Tomlinson will take a history, including any previous wrist injuries, examine your wrist, and arrange an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and show which joints are affected. A corticosteroid injection can help settle a painful flare-up in some cases. If symptoms are severe or not controlled by these measures, surgery may be recommended. Depending on which joints are affected, options range from limited procedures that fuse only part of the wrist while preserving some movement, through to a full wrist fusion or other salvage procedures for advanced disease.
What can I expect from treatment?
At your appointment, Dr Tomlinson will take a history, including any previous wrist injuries, examine your wrist, and arrange further imaging if needed. Together you will discuss the treatment options that suit your situation. Without further information it is not possible to advise you what outcomes you can expect from treatment.
What happens if it's left untreated?
Wrist osteoarthritis is not dangerous, but it can progressively limit grip strength and wrist movement. It is worth seeing a hand surgeon if you have persistent wrist pain, particularly if you have had a previous wrist injury, or if stiffness and weakness are affecting your grip and daily activities.
Related conditions and treatments
Wrist osteoarthritis often develops after a previous scaphoid fracture or scapholunate ligament injury. Pain on the little-finger side of the wrist may instead be related to a TFCC injury.