Wrist arthrosis is a degenerative (due to wear and tear) disease characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage layer. Arthrosis develops from an imbalance between the load and load capacity of the joint cartilage and can be divided into primary and secondary arthrosis.
- Primary arthrosis is an inferiority of the cartilage, the cause of which is unknown.
- Secondary arthrosis is based on external factors, such as overloading in joint dysplasia, axial malpositions and instabilities. Trauma, such as a fracture or dislocation, may lead to changes in the joint surfaces, which over the years can promote arthrosis. Inflammatory joint diseases or gout can also be responsible for the development of arthrosis.
Physiotherapy
The most important thing in the therapy of wrist arthrosis is to maintain and improve mobility and relieve pain. The degradation of cartilage causes the two parts of the joint to rub directly against each other, making movement worse and causing pain. Traction (pulling the hand out of the joint socket) can be used to stimulate blood circulation in the area.
This can stimulate the metabolic process, reducing the activity of the pain receptors and improving mobility. In addition, manual therapy, which supports the sliding movement of the hand in the joint space towards the ulna and radius, improves mobility and attempts to reduce the sticking of the capsule. If there is an acute episode of osteoarthritis, this inflammation should be reduced as soon as possible, since any inflammation that develops increases the sticking of the capsule and the degradation of cartilage.
To reduce the inflammation, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication can help. In addition, the patient can positively support the affected finger with cold therapy. When the acute phase is over, the therapist should also reduce the hypertonic musculature in the hand and forearm area.
Soft tissue techniques, fascial solutions, trigger point therapy and massages are particularly effective for this. If the patient is in a pain-free phase, he or she should improve the muscle strength through own exercises. Small softballs or plasticine for pumping the hand are ideal for this purpose.
The fingers are mobilized and the strength in the forearm is improved. In addition to physiotherapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy, which can be found in most practices, are also available. Tape can also be applied to stabilize the joint or improve blood circulation in the muscles.
In general the statics of the patient should be evaluated. If there are significant axial deviations in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, shoulder and arm areas, these areas should be mobilized. Treatment of the cervical spine with detonation (“muscle tension-lowering”) of the short neck muscles promotes blood circulation in the entire upper extremity and prevents cramped behavior in everyday life. Alternative treatment options can be found in the following article:
- Exercises against neck tensions
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Fascia Roll
- What is the best way to stretch the cervical spine?
- Natural remedies
- Homeopathy
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