Arthritis is a disorder that causes inflammation to the various joints of your body, especially your wrist. It can hinder you from doing your daily activities.People suffering from this condition often go to a hand and wrist specialist to help them determine the best healthcare regimen. To learn more about this ailment, continue reading this article.
Types
The types of arthritis that affect the wrist are the following:
- Rheumatoid arthritisor RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack and damage its tissues. It targets the synovial membrane, a tissue that lines and nourishes the joints and tendons.
- Osteoarthritisis the most common type of this condition that affects many people. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones are worn out.
Symptoms
Pain and stiffness in the hands are common signs of wrist arthritis. Some people may experience symptoms such as limited movement, cracking sounds, and weakness of the affected region.
Risk Factors
Each form of wrist arthritis has its own risk factors. Osteoarthritis is common among older peoplebecause the joints are already worn down from the various activities they’ve done over the years. Also, women have a higher chance of being afflicted with this condition because of a hormone called relaxin, which increases during pregnancy. It causes the joints to be more relaxed and unstable.
The risk factors of RAare similar to osteoarthritis. The only difference is that exposure to asbestos and silica increases a person’s chance of being afflicted with this conditionbecause these two elements can weaken the immune system.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will review your medical history to see if there are factors that affect the development ofwrist arthritis. Then, they’ll perform a physical examination by checking the swelling and movement of the affected wrist. An x-ray and CT-scan may be required to see the condition of the joints and bones. Sometimes, a blood test is also needed to confirm the presence of RA or if the cause of the pain is osteoarthritis.
Treatment
Early stages only require medications as treatment. Doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines are also given to slow down the progression of the disease.
Surgery might be needed if the patient’s condition worsens. Its goal is to remove and replace the affected part with prosthetics to prevent the disease from recurring.
These are the things you need to know about wrist arthritis. If you or someone you love has this disorder, you can bring them to a medical expert that specializes in wrist arthroplasty in Atlanta for a checkup. They’ll determine whether a conservative treatment can help you recuperate or if surgery is needed.
