wrist osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is not as common as rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist however still occurs and can cause a lot of pain and problems.
What is wrist osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that describes joint wear and tear of a joint. The wrist is a very complex joint and is particularly susceptible as large amounts of pressure are placed on it every day. Osteoarthritis describes degenerative changes with damage to the cartilage which then causes aching and stiffness of the joints.
What causes wrist osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a gradual condition that is caused by wear and tear of the joint and can be caused by repetitive use of a joint. Other causes include bone structure and weak cartilage or previous damage due to a bad sprain or fractured wrist.
When you damage your wrist the injury alters the anatomy of the wrist slightly so the different parts do not work as well together anymore. These changes increase the joint wear and tear and speed up the degeneration process- this is also referred to as posttraumatic osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of wrist osteoarthritis?
There are several symptoms of wrist osteoarthritis including:
- Pain- this is the main symptom of wrist osteoarthritis
- Swelling
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty twisting and gripping objects e.g. a doorknob
How is wrist osteoarthritis diagnosed?
A doctor or physiotherapist can diagnose wrist arthritis following a thorough subjective and objective assessment and a scan such as an X-ray or MRI can distinguish the physical extent of your wrist osteoarthritis.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for a Colles’ fracture?
The initial treatment for a Colles’ fracture is to have it reduced; this is where your doctor puts the broken bone in the proper position so the right healing can occur, if a fracture is very severe an open reduction external fixation is required to reduce the fracture. Once your fracture has been reduced it needs to be immobilised with a brace or cast so proper healing can take place.
Following surgery, your wrist can be very weak and stiff. Physiotherapy is important in order to make sure that you recover as quickly and best as possible and to prevent the injury occurring again.
Physiotherapy can include:
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue massage
- Taping or splinting
- Passive and active range of movement exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Electrotherapy e.g. ultrasound
- Advice and education
- Graded return to functional/sporting activity
Benefit of physiotherapy for a Colles’ fracture?
Physiotherapy is vital to ensure that your wrist returns to its pre-operative function in the shortest time period allowing you to get back to your activities of daily living or sporting as quickly as possible. The benefits you feel from physiotherapy will be based on your original symptoms and treatment goals.
Physiotherapy can assist with:
- Reduced scarring
- Improved range of movement
- Improved strength
- Decreased pain
- Decreased swelling
- Prevention of injury re-occurrence
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.