Wrist Arthritis Treatment in Naples, Florida

Wrist arthritis is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks — like opening a jar, lifting objects, or typing — painful and difficult. If you’re experiencing persistent wrist pain, stiffness, or swelling, you may be dealing with arthritis in one or more of the wrist joints. As a fellowship‑trained hand and upper extremity surgeon in Naples, Florida, Dr. Carmella Fernandez provides advanced, personalized care to help patients find relief and restore function.

Whether your symptoms developed gradually or began after an injury, early evaluation and treatment can help prevent further joint damage and improve long‑term comfort.

What Is Wrist Arthritis?

Wrist arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the wrist joints wears down over time or becomes damaged due to injury. Without this protective cartilage, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

There are several types of wrist arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis – The most common form, caused by age‑related wear and tear.
• Post‑traumatic arthritis – Develops after a wrist fracture, ligament injury, or trauma.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune condition that affects the lining of the joints.
• Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist) – A progressive form of arthritis caused by ligament injury.
• Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC wrist) – Arthritis resulting from an untreated or improperly healed scaphoid fracture.

Regardless of the cause, wrist arthritis can worsen over time without proper treatment.

Common Symptoms of Wrist Arthritis

Patients often describe wrist arthritis as a deep, aching pain that may worsen with activity. Other symptoms include:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• Reduced grip strength
• Clicking or grinding sensations
• Difficulty bending or rotating the wrist
• Pain during weight‑bearing activities (lifting, pushing, gripping)

If these symptoms interfere with your daily routine, it may be time to see a specialist.

How Wrist Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Dr. Fernandez performs a thorough evaluation that may include:

• A detailed medical history
• Physical examination of the wrist and hand
• X‑rays to assess joint space and bone alignment
• Advanced imaging (if needed) to evaluate cartilage, ligaments, or previous injuries

Accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the most effective treatment plan.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Dr. Fernandez offers a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, beginning with the least invasive options whenever possible.

Many patients experience significant relief with conservative care, such as:

• Splinting or bracing to support the joint
• Anti‑inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections for pain and swelling
• Activity modification to reduce strain
• Hand therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Heat or cold therapy

These treatments can help manage symptoms and delay the need for surgery.

Surgical Options

If nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective, Dr. Fernandez may recommend one of several advanced surgical procedures:

• Wrist arthroscopy – Minimally invasive cleaning of the joint
• Partial wrist fusion – Stabilizes painful joints while preserving some motion
• Total wrist fusion – Eliminates pain by fusing the wrist bones
• Proximal row carpectomy – Removes damaged bones to improve motion
• Wrist joint replacement (arthroplasty) – Replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant

The right procedure depends on the type of arthritis, severity of damage, and your lifestyle needs.

When to See a Wrist Specialist

You should schedule an appointment if you experience:

• Persistent wrist pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
• Swelling that does not improve
• Pain after a previous wrist injury
• Loss of motion or strength
• Symptoms that interfere with work, sports, or daily activities

Early treatment can prevent further joint deterioration and help preserve wrist function.

Expert Wrist Arthritis Care in Naples, Florida

Dr. Carmella Fernandez is dedicated to helping patients throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Marco Island find lasting relief from wrist arthritis. With advanced training in hand and upper extremity surgery, she provides compassionate, individualized care tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes wrist arthritis?

Wrist arthritis may result from aging, previous injuries, ligament tears, autoimmune conditions, or wear‑and‑tear over time.

2. How is wrist arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes a physical exam, X‑rays, and sometimes advanced imaging to evaluate cartilage, bone alignment, and joint damage.

3. What treatments help relieve wrist arthritis pain?

Nonsurgical options include splinting, medications, injections, and hand therapy. Surgical options include arthroscopy, partial fusion, total fusion, or joint replacement.

4. Can wrist arthritis get worse over time?

Yes. Without treatment, wrist arthritis can progress and lead to increased pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. Early care helps preserve function.