Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that often impacts the small joints of the body, particularly the wrist. This condition can lead to joint destruction, deformity, and disability, along with other extra-articular manifestations. The wrist is one of the main joints affected by RA, as the disease frequently begins in the small joints of the hands and wrists. It’s estimated that about one in seven people in the United States experience wrist arthritis, which can range from mild to severe and cause various symptoms, including wrist pain that disrupts everyday functioning.
People with wrist arthritis typically experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. The causes can include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and wrist injuries, leading to inflammation in the wrist joint. Treatment options to alleviate pain and swelling often involve steroid shots, wrist splints, and anti-inflammatory drugs. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis surgery can include procedures like synovectomy, which involves removing the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium) to reduce pain and improve flexibility. Additionally, tendon repair may be required if inflammation and joint damage have caused tendons around the joint to loosen or rupture.
Typical symptoms of RA include joint stiffness that worsens in the mornings and after periods of inactivity, along with fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. The disease usually affects smaller joints first, such as those in the fingers and toes, before progressing to larger joints like the wrists and knees. As an autoimmune disease, RA is symmetrical, meaning it often affects the same joint on both sides of the body.
For more detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist, including symptoms, treatment, and exercises, visit Verywell Health, Medical News Today, Cleveland Clinic, and Mayo Clinic. Additionally, comprehensive information about hand and wrist rheumatoid arthritis can be found at NCBI Bookshelf and OrthoInfo.
