Radiocarpal (Wrist) Arthritis
Recognising the Symptoms and Symptoms
Ali Phillips | Hand & Wrist Specialist
Pain in your main wrist joint?
I'm Ali Phillips. If pain at your main wrist joint is making it hard to push up from a chair or do a press-up, you may have radiocarpal arthritis. Let's explore what this is and the advanced solutions available to restore your comfort and function.
Book a ConsultationWhat is Radiocarpal Arthritis?
The radiocarpal joint is your main wrist joint, where the two forearm bones (the radius and ulna) meet the first row of small carpal bones in your hand. It's responsible for most of the bending and flexing motion of your wrist.
Radiocarpal arthritis is the "wear-and-tear" of the smooth cartilage in this specific joint. As the cartilage wears away, the bones rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of strength, especially when putting weight through your hand.
What are the symptoms of Radiocarpal Arthritis?
Pain on Weight-Bearing
A primary symptom is pain when you put weight through your hand, like pushing off a chair or doing a press-up.
Stiffness & Swelling
Your wrist may feel stiff, particularly in the morning, and you might notice a general puffiness or swelling around the joint.
Loss of Motion
You may find it increasingly difficult to bend your wrist up and down, accompanied by a feeling of weakness in your grip.
Is Wrist Pain Holding You Back?
If these symptoms are interfering with your work, hobbies, or daily life, it's time to seek a professional opinion. Let's find out exactly what's going on and create a plan to help.
Get a Clear DiagnosisHow will I diagnose your wrist pain?
A diagnosis is usually made from our conversation, a gentle examination of your wrist, and an X-ray. You can try a simple self-test at home, but please stop immediately if it causes sharp pain.
1️⃣
Place your hands flat on a table.
2️⃣
Gently try to push up as if doing a press-up.
3️⃣
Note if this causes pain in your wrist.
Pain with weight-bearing is a classic sign of radiocarpal arthritis. An accurate diagnosis from me, confirmed with an X-ray, is the most important step towards finding the right treatment.
How can I help you get better?
We'll create a personalised treatment plan together, always starting with the simplest options first.
Splinting & Rest Supporting the wrist with a splint and avoiding activities that trigger pain can help reduce discomfort.
Anti-inflammatories Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Injections Steroid injections can provide good temporary relief. For very early arthritis, orthobiologic injections like PRP or Arthrosamid may be an option for those wishing to avoid surgery.
Surgery If other treatments fail, procedures like Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC) or a Full Wrist Fusion can provide a reliable, one-stop solution for the rest of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC) is a motion-preserving surgery where I remove the first row of wrist bones. It's a great option if the cartilage on your radius bone is still healthy. A Full Wrist Fusion is a more definitive procedure for advanced arthritis where I fuse the wrist solid. This eliminates pain completely but also stops all bending motion at the wrist.
Yes, absolutely. A full wrist fusion provides a very strong and stable wrist. I have fused builders and other manual workers who have successfully returned to full manual work and even the gym. However, it's important to understand that the recovery is long, often taking 6-9 months to get back to heavy duties.
The IMPLATE from Skeletal Dynamics is the modern intramedullary nail I use for full wrist fusions. It's a state-of-the-art implant that sits inside the bone, which makes it much less prominent and irritating than the old-style plates that were fixed on top of the bone.
These are newer types of injections that can be an option for patients who want to avoid surgery. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses your own blood's healing factors, while Arthrosamid is a long-lasting hydrogel that cushions the joint. They are most effective when we can catch the arthritis in its very early stages.
Not necessarily. It depends entirely on the type of surgery. A full wrist fusion does eliminate wrist motion to provide maximum pain relief. However, motion-preserving options like a proximal row carpectomy (PRC) or a limited fusion are designed to relieve pain while keeping a functional range of movement.
This depends on the sport and the type of surgery. After a full fusion, activities requiring wrist flexibility (like tennis or yoga) would be difficult, but strength-based activities might be easier. After a motion-preserving surgery, many people can return to a wide range of activities once they have fully recovered.
Recovery time varies significantly. Fusion procedures require a longer period of immobilisation (often in a cast for several weeks or months) to allow the bones to heal. Motion-preserving surgeries may have a slightly quicker initial recovery. Full return to all activities can take several months and requires commitment to hand therapy.
This is where only the specific, damaged bones in the wrist are fused together, leaving the healthy joints free to move. This is an excellent option for relieving pain in a targeted area while preserving as much natural wrist motion as possible.
Yes, hand therapy is essential after most types of wrist surgery. A specialist therapist will guide you through exercises to regain strength, manage swelling, and maximise your mobility and overall function.
While you can't always prevent it, especially if it's related to an old injury, you can reduce your risk. This includes seeking proper treatment for wrist injuries when they happen, using good ergonomics to avoid repetitive strain, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Test Your Knowledge!
