Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about arthritis in the wrist and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Introduction to Arthritis
Arthritis is a broad term used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. It commonly affects the hands and wrists, making everyday tasks challenging and sometimes causing pain that interferes with quality of life. There are several types of arthritis, each with different causes and effects on the joints.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form and is considered a degenerative arthritis. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to bone rubbing against bone and causing pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, resulting in chronic inflammation and joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis is another type of inflammatory arthritis that can occur in people with psoriasis, an immune system condition that affects the skin.
These types of arthritis can all cause significant discomfort and limit movement, but understanding the underlying cause is key to finding the right treatment options. Whether the arthritis is degenerative or inflammatory, early intervention can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve joint function.
What Is Wrist Arthritis?
Wrist arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage in the wrist joint. The most common types are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), and post-traumatic arthritis (following injury). Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes a grinding sensation in the joint [1]. Wrist arthritis can also be associated with arthritis in the finger joints, which may lead to the development of bony lumps at the ends of the fingers or at the base of the thumb.
What Causes Wrist Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The main causes of wrist arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis: Age-related cartilage wear and tear.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Immune system attacks joint lining.
- Previous injuries: Fractures or ligament damage can accelerate joint degeneration.
- Genetics: Family history increases risk. Certain conditions, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, are more common in middle age.
- Repetitive strain: Overuse from work or sports.
Arthritis in the wrist can also be associated with involvement of other joints in the hand and wrist region.
Early diagnosis and intervention are key to slowing progression and preserving wrist function [2].
Symptoms of Wrist Arthritis
Early symptoms such as mild numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the fingers may appear before more severe pain and stiffness develop.
- Pain, especially with movement or gripping. Medications may be needed to address both pain and inflammation. Certain activities can make the pain worse, and patients may experience both pain and stiffness during movement.
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning
- Swelling around the wrist joint
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness or instability
- Grinding or clicking sensations
How Is Wrist Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI. Blood tests may be used to identify inflammatory or autoimmune causes. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment [3].
Pain Relief Treatments for Wrist Arthritis
The best treatment for wrist arthritis depends on the type, severity, and your individual needs. Options include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Activity modification, ergonomic adjustments, and weight management.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are commonly used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. For inflammatory arthritis, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed to help control the disease and prevent joint damage.
Initial treatment for inflammatory arthritis often involves starting DMARDs to control symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Splinting: Wrist braces to reduce movement and pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength and flexibility. A hand therapist can guide rehabilitation and help restore hand function.
- Injections: Steroid injection is a common option to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Other options include corticosteroids or regenerative therapies for pain relief.
- Surgery: Reserved for severe cases (e.g., joint fusion or replacement).
These treatments aim to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation and easing pain, helping to preserve joint function.
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections are commonly used for managing finger joint and wrist arthritis to reduce inflammation and pain. Relief from steroid injections can last a few weeks to a few months, but repeated use may weaken cartilage over time [4].
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint. While more commonly used in larger joints, some studies suggest it may help reduce pain and improve function in wrist arthritis [5].
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP therapy uses your own blood, processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the wrist. Research shows PRP can reduce pain and promote healing in some patients with wrist arthritis [6].
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat wrist arthritis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with wrist arthritis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of wrist arthritis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Occupational Therapy for Wrist Arthritis
Occupational therapy is an essential part of managing wrist arthritis, helping patients adapt to their condition and maintain independence in daily life. An occupational therapist works closely with individuals to develop personalized strategies that reduce pain and make everyday tasks easier. This may include teaching specific exercises to improve hand and wrist function, recommending the use of wrist splints to support the joint, and suggesting adaptive tools or techniques to minimize strain during activities like writing, cooking, or using a computer.
By focusing on practical solutions and task modification, occupational therapy can help patients with wrist arthritis protect their affected joints, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. The guidance of an occupational therapist empowers individuals to continue participating in the activities they enjoy, improving both hand function and overall quality of life.
Surgical Treatment Options for Wrist Arthritis
When non-surgical treatments are no longer effective in controlling wrist pain or preserving function, surgical options may be considered. Surgery for wrist arthritis is typically reserved for severe cases where joint pain, stiffness, or instability significantly impacts daily activities and other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Surgical Procedures
There are several surgical procedures available to treat wrist arthritis, each tailored to the type and severity of the condition. Common goals of surgery include relieving pain, restoring joint stability, and improving or preserving wrist movement. Procedures may involve removing damaged tissue, realigning bones, or replacing parts of the wrist joint. In some cases, joint replacement (total wrist replacement) may be recommended to restore function and reduce pain in the affected joint, especially when multiple small carpal bones are involved.
Partial Fusion Surgery
Partial fusion surgery is a specialized procedure often used for wrist arthritis that affects only certain areas of the wrist. During this operation, some of the small carpal bones are fused together, which helps stabilize the wrist and reduce pain while preserving as much wrist motion as possible. By limiting movement in the most painful joint segments, partial fusion can provide significant pain relief and improve hand and wrist function, allowing patients to return to many of their normal activities. This option is particularly beneficial for those who want to maintain some wrist movement rather than undergo a complete joint fusion.
Case Study: Lasting Relief from Wrist Arthritis
Patient: Mark, 52, office worker
Condition: Osteoarthritis of the right wrist, unresponsive to NSAIDs and splinting
Treatment: 3 sessions of prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic
Outcome: Mark experienced a 60% reduction in pain and improved grip strength within 2 months. He returned to normal work activities and remains pain-free at 9-month follow-up.
Are Treatments for Wrist Arthritis Safe?
Most non-surgical treatments, including prolotherapy and PRP, are considered safe when performed by experienced clinicians. Side effects are rare but may include temporary pain, swelling, or infection. Always consult a qualified practitioner to discuss risks and benefits [7].
How to Choose the Right Treatment for Wrist Arthritis
The best approach depends on your arthritis type, severity, lifestyle, and treatment goals. A thorough assessment by a specialist is essential. At ProHealth Clinic, we create personalised treatment plans, often combining therapies for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to relieve wrist arthritis pain?
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications can provide quick relief. For longer-term results, consider splinting, physical therapy, or targeted injections.
Can wrist arthritis be cured permanently?
While there is no absolute cure for arthritis, regenerative treatments like prolotherapy can address the root cause and provide lasting relief for many patients.
How long do wrist arthritis injections last?
Corticosteroid injections may last weeks to months. PRP and prolotherapy can provide relief for up to a year or longer in some cases.
Is prolotherapy safe for wrist arthritis?
Yes, prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Side effects are rare and usually mild.
When is surgery needed for wrist arthritis?
Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail and pain or loss of function is severe. Options include joint fusion or replacement.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating wrist arthritis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with wrist arthritis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
References
- Wolfe SW, Hotchkiss RN, Pederson WC, Kozin SH. Green’s Operative Hand Surgery, 7th Edition. Elsevier, 2016.
- Trumble TE, et al. Wrist arthritis: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2000;8(2):141-151. Link
- Kang L, et al. Imaging of wrist arthritis. Radiol Clin North Am. 2019;57(5):1007-1020. Link
- Kang L, et al. Corticosteroid injections for wrist arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2018;43(2):123-130. Link
- Atzei A, et al. Viscosupplementation in wrist osteoarthritis: a pilot study. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2011;36(6):491-495. Link
- Malanga GA, et al. PRP and regenerative medicine for hand and wrist conditions. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2016;27(4):913-923. Link
- Rabago D, et al. Prolotherapy in primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010;37(1):65-80. Link
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.