The body’s immune system attacking its own tissues.Normal “wear and tear” caused by repetitive motion in the wrist.In general, the following may contribute to the gradual swelling of wrist joints: The reason why arthritis develops in the wrist is largely dependent on the type of arthritis that you have-a factor that your doctor can help you determine. Proactive treatment can often relieve symptoms of wrist arthritis and slow the progression of joint damage. If you are experiencing these symptoms, one of our reconstructive hand surgeons can help you determine the type of arthritis in your wrist and create a personalized treatment plan that will effectively address your condition. Symptoms of wrist arthritis typically include:
There are many different types of arthritis that can be suffered in the wrist, but all can make it difficult to perform simple daily tasks. The amount of joint damage typically varies on a case-by-case basis however, wrist arthritis typically gets worse over time, and symptoms can become severe if left untreated. Wrist arthritis typically occurs after a prior injury to the joint, or due to an inflammatory, auto-immune condition.
While arthritis can be suffered in many different areas, the wrist is one of the most common areas to develop the condition. Should your injury require surgery, your doctor can discuss the particulars of your procedure in an appointment or consultation.Īrthritis is a condition in which the gliding cartilage surfaces of the joints are worn away causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the wrist. For injuries lasting several months or years, surgery may involve removal of the affected bones, a partial wrist fusion, complete wrist fusion, or wrist replacement. Tendons or other soft tissues in the area can be re-routed to replace the torn ligament if it can’t be directly repaired. Surgery-When non-surgical treatments fail to address your injury, a procedure involving sutures, pins, screws, and other specialized devices can effectively repair the ligament.The muscles around an affected joint can be strengthened to decrease pain and prevent further damage over time. Hand therapy-Therapy may be needed after splinting or casting to treat or prevent stiffness.Injections-One common strategy for pain relief is to inject a steroid medication into the affected area to decrease inflammation.Partial ligament tears where the joints remain stable are usually treated without surgery with very good outcomes. Wearing a cast or splint-In some cases, immobilizing the area alone will encourage proper healing.Treatmentĭepending on the extent of your injury, ligament tears can be treated with a number of solutions. An X-ray, physical examination, or MRI may be required to properly diagnose a ligament tear. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish a ligament tear from a fracture because many of the symptoms overlap. This can make moving and using the body part difficult. Ligament tears most often result in swelling, bruising, pain, and instability in the affected area. In the wrists, ligament tears are a very common injury and typically cause pain, tenderness, and weakness at the site of the injury. While minor sprains may only stretch the ligament, more severe injuries will completely tear the ligament and can lead to additional injuries, such as hand and wrist fractures or arthritis. Because we often use our hands to catch us as we fall forward or backward, the palm, wrist, and thumb are some of the most common sites of a ligament tear. The most common reason for a ligament tear is trauma to the wrist experienced after an injury, or the sudden impact of a fall. Ligament injuries can range from partial or minor tears, commonly referred to as a sprain, to complete tears that will result in unstable joints. Ligaments are the connective tissues that join the bones together. The expert reconstructive hand surgeons at the Institute for Hand Surgery at LIPSG can provide you with comprehensive care that can reduce the symptoms of your condition and help restore function lost in your hand or wrist. Pain in the hand and wrists is frequently related to underlying ligament injuries or damage to the join surfaces known as arthritis. The wrist and arm are among the most frequently used body parts, and even a minor injury in these delicate areas can affect your quality of life. In the upper extremities, pain can be the cause of significant distress and can make simple movements and completion of daily activities very difficult. Home » Conditions / Treatments » Hand & Upper Extremity » Ligament Tears & Wrist Arthritis