Arthritis vs. Sore Wrist: How To Know the Difference

One in seven people in the United States have wrist arthritis, affecting nearly 14% of the population. Wrist pain can interrupt your daily activities, making everything from typing to lifting groceries difficult. While occasional wrist soreness is common, persistent or severe discomfort may signal a more serious condition, such as arthritis.

Understanding the differences between arthritis and a sore wrist is important for getting the right treatment. Our Hand and Wrist Institute team discusses the causes of wrist joint pain, how to recognize arthritis wrist symptoms, how to treat arthritis in the wrist, and tips to maintain joint health and improve quality of life.

Understanding Wrist Pain: Do I Have Arthritis or Is My Wrist Just Sore?

Wrist or hand pain affects approximately 19.1% of adults, making it the third most common work-related injury. Wrist pain can be caused by overuse, injury, or chronic conditions. A sore wrist is often caused by repetitive motion, minor injuries, or temporary inflammation. Arthritis is a progressive condition that damages joint cartilage and can cause chronic pain and stiffness. About half of all women and one-quarter of all men will experience the stiffness and pain of osteoarthritis wrist symptoms by the time they are 85 years old.

Brief Overview of Arthritis and Its Impact on the Wrist

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and wrist rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, affects millions of Americans. Arthritis may cause wrist pain, swelling, and decreased mobility, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Below, we’ve explained how to tell the difference between a sore wrist and arthritis.

Common Symptoms of Wrist Arthritis vs. General Soreness

Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, but arthritis becomes progressively worse. Here are some common symptoms of each condition.

Wrist Soreness

Here are some common symptoms of a sore wrist:

• Tenderness in the wrist after specific activities (e.g., typing or lifting)
• Temporary discomfort that improves with rest or ice

Arthritis in the Wrist

Symptoms of arthritis in the wrist include:

• Persistent stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling and warmth around the joint
• Clicking or grinding sensation during movement

When To Be Concerned: Symptoms That Suggest Arthritis

If you have the following symptoms, you may have arthritis:

• Pain that worsens over time
• Limited range of motion
• Visible deformities or changes in joint alignment

The Importance of Prompt Consultation

Early diagnosis is important. Waiting too long to get arthritis wrist pain treatment can lead to joint damage, decreased wrist function, and reduced quality of life. Always seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Exploring the Causes Behind Wrist Pain

Different types of arthritis can affect the wrist. We’ve described some of them below.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of joint cartilage. It often develops in previously injured wrists. Osteoarthritis in the wrist is uncommon and usually occurs only in people who have injured that wrist in the past.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joint tissues. It commonly affects both wrists simultaneously. Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the wrist is estimated to affect around 2.5 million people in the United States.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a wrist fracture or ligament injury. Repetitive stress injuries, such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, can cause pain at the base of the thumb and are more common in occupations with high mechanical demands.

Other Common Conditions Mimicking Wrist Arthritis

Several other conditions have similar symptoms to arthritis and could be confusing without a professional diagnosis. These conditions include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Pain caused by nerve compression
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of wrist tendons
• Gout: Sharp, sudden pain because of uric acid crystals. Gout affects the wrist in about 0.28% of the population.

Diagnosis and Treatments: Getting the Right Help

Below, we’ve discussed some strategies for diagnosing wrist arthritis.

Strategies for Diagnosing Wrist Arthritis

Your healthcare professional may use the following tests:

• Imaging tests: X-rays or MRIs to assess joint damage
• Blood tests: To check for inflammation markers, especially in rheumatoid arthritis
• Physical examination: Evaluating mobility, tenderness, and swelling

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches

Your physician will always try conservative or non-surgical options first. These may include:

• Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroids for inflammation
• Splints: Stabilizing the wrist to reduce strain
• Physical therapy: Strengthening and mobility exercises

Surgical Management of Wrist Arthritis

If conservative methods don’t work or fail to provide relief, we may recommend the following surgical procedures for wrist arthritis:

• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive removal of damaged tissues
• Joint fusion: Stabilizes the wrist to alleviate pain.
• Joint replacement: For severe cases with extensive damage

Living With Wrist Pain or Arthritis: Maintaining Quality of Life

Living with arthritis is not easy, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition and maintain your quality of life. We recommend the following effective pain management techniques:

• Heat and cold therapy: Using ice or heat packs to reduce inflammation and stiffness
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Taking medication for mild discomfort
• Low-impact activities: Swimming or yoga to maintain joint mobility without damaging the joints
• Ergonomic adjustments: Using supportive wrist braces during repetitive tasks

Schedule an Appointment

Wrist pain deserves attention, whether it’s mild soreness or a symptom of arthritis. Understanding the root cause of your discomfort is essential to choosing the right treatment plan. If you’re experiencing persistent wrist pain or suspect arthritis, schedule a consultation with The Hand and Wrist Institute. With over 25 years of experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our specialists offer compassionate, expert care to help you regain mobility and enjoy a pain-free life. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

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Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.