As someone who has personally experienced wrist osteoarthritis, I can understand the frustration and concern that comes with this condition. Unfortunately, I must inform you that wrist osteoarthritis does not go away on its own. It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.
However, the good news is that there are various treatment options available that can provide significant relief. Non-surgical treatments such as medications, splints, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can often help manage the pain and improve wrist function.
Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These can be taken orally or applied topically as gels or creams. Corticosteroid injections may also be recommended by your doctor to provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the wrist joint.
Splints or braces can be used to support the wrist and provide stability, especially during activities that may aggravate the symptoms. Physical therapy exercises can help improve wrist strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Your physical therapist may also use techniques such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or heat/cold therapy to alleviate pain and improve function.
In addition to these treatments, making certain lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial. Avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, and incorporating joint-friendly exercises into your routine can all help manage wrist osteoarthritis.
However, it is important to note that as the condition progresses and conservative treatments become less effective, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for wrist osteoarthritis include joint fusion (arthrodesis) or joint replacement (arthroplasty). These procedures aim to reduce pain and improve wrist function by either fusing the bones together or replacing the damaged joint with an artificial implant.
While the decision to undergo surgery is a personal one and should be discussed with your healthcare provider, many patients who require surgery for wrist osteoarthritis report significant pain relief and improved quality of life after the procedure. It is also worth noting that in some cases, a degree of wrist motion can be preserved even after surgical intervention.
While wrist osteoarthritis cannot be cured, there are various treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and improve wrist function. Non-surgical treatments such as medications, splints, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can often provide relief. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, and many patients find it to be beneficial in terms of pain relief and improved wrist function.