Wrist Arthritis Treatment in Illinois

Let Our Arthritis Specialists Help You

The wrist is the connecting joint between the forearm and the hand. It is formed by the two bones of the forearm (the radius and the ulna) and the carpal bones located at the base of the hand. The joint ends of these bones are covered with a slippery substance known as articular cartilage. This cartilage acts as a cushion for the joint, protecting the bones and allowing them to glide smoothly over each other when the wrist is moving.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint that damages the cartilage protecting the joint ends of the bones. As the condition progresses, the cartilage in the joint slowly breaks down, causing the bones to rub together. This can lead to pain and stiffness in the affected area and can result in irreparable damage to the joint over time.

Causes & Symptoms of Wrist Arthritis

While there are many different types of arthritis, three forms of the disease most commonly affect the wrist joints.

These include:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear to the cartilage of the wrist joint. As the cartilage wears away, the protective cushion between the bones is lost, allowing the bones of the joint to rub against each other. This results in pain and stiffness in the affected joint. While osteoarthritis can occur in younger patients, it is more commonly found in middle-aged adults. Patients with a family history of arthritis may be more prone to develop osteoarthritis as they enter their 40s or 50s.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple joints in the body. The body’s immune system begins to attack its own tissues, resulting in damage to cartilage and ligaments. The condition typically begins to manifest in the smaller joints of the hand and the wrist, causing deformity and loss of function. The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown, though recent research suggests that some people may have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis can sometimes develop as the result of a specific injury, such as a broken wrist or a torn ligament. Joint injuries can cause an unusual wearing of the cartilage, which over time can develop into post traumatic arthritis.

While the wrist can be affected by different types of arthritis, symptoms of the condition tend to follow a familiar pattern.

Symptoms often include:

• Swelling in wrist
• Pain
• Limited motion
• Weakness in wrist joint
• Potential pain, swelling, and stiffness in knuckle joints of hand

Seek treatment for wrist arthritis in Fox Valley by calling us at (630) 584-1400.