All about hand and wrist pain Wrist pain is common among people with arthritis. We take a look at how it can be managed What is hand and wrist arthritis? The wrist joint allows us to bend, straighten and rotate our hand. It connects a complex network of small bones in the hand and forearm that must move together in harmony. These bones are then connected by even smaller bones in our hand, fingers and thumb, all of which are connected by cartilage. If this gets worn down, the bones rub against each other, leading to pain and inflammation. Symptoms of hand and wrist arthritis include: Pain that may worsen with movement Redness, warmth and swelling in the wrist, hand and fingers Stiffness that worsens in the morning and improves throughout the day Reduced range of motion. Self-management Words: Billie Rae Most of us use our hands and wrists constantly throughout the day, whether its to pour a cup of tea, carry shopping, or fill in a form. So when arthritis affects our hands, it can cause a lot of pain and make daily life difficult. Health If your hand or wrist pain is affecting your quality of life, you can get help by visiting your GP There are many ways to manage hand and wrist pain yourself, at home. You can try to limit or adapt activities and movements that worsen the pain, while alternating ice and heat treatments throughout the day can be a good way to relieve pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can provide effective pain relief for arthritis, and are available over the counter at pharmacies, in pill form and in gels and creams. When to see a doctor If your hand or wrist pain is affecting your quality of life in any way, you can get help by visiting your GP. You may need X-rays and blood tests to check for inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Once you have been referred to a specialist, you may be prescribed one or more of a range of treatments, including: A brace or splint to stabilise the affected joints Hand and wrist exercises to improve your range of motion, under the supervision of a physiotherapist Steroid injections to relieve pain and swelling for a longer period of time Surgery, which could include a full joint replacement (wrist arthroplasty). 9 Inspire Autumn 22 pp09 All about.indd 9 16/08/2022 16:42