Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In The Wrist

Posted on Fri, 30 Dec 2016

Question: Hi my Hand Surgeon told me in my last visit that the only options that I have to my case is live the rest of my life with pain or immobilize my wrist

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,I am Dr Gopal Goel, Orthopedic Surgeon.

I have gone through your reports. Your reports indicate you have rheumatoid arthritis and probably osteoporosis with severe arthritic changes in your wrist. This causes pain and deformity.

In my opinion, once you start treatment with anti rheumatic drugs- the inflammation will go down , so will the pain. In extreme cases, your wrist might require surgical stabilization (fusion) to alleviate pain.

I would recommend anti rheumatic drugs, investigation and treatment of osteoporosis , physiotherapy to begin with . The effect of drugs comes after few months , so please be patient.

I hope I have answered your question. Please feel free to ask any further questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (33 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. for your prompt response. I have been in treatment, physical and occupational therapy as well as medication for the past year (orencia, prednisone, methotrexate). Nothing seems to work including the injections. As you could imagine the thought of losing mobility in my wrist scares me and what you have told me is exactly why my Dr. had said to me just a couple days ago. With all this being said are there any other treatment options or in some rare cases maybe a surgical wrist reconstruction or replacement? I am seeking all possibilities before making a rash decision. I feel like I have already tried every treatment option and I am open to any fresh ideas and or advise. I really appreciate your services and will be waiting for a response.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wrist replacement

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel , orthopedic surgeon
Wrist replacement in an option for joint mobility , but in rheumatoid arthritis it is not recommended since the results are poor due to inherent nature of disease.
In the meantime you can go for intra-articular steroid injection to get some pain relief. But i would suggest for wrist arthrodesis. The movements are reduced but functions are painless and better.
I hope I have answered your question . Please feel free to ask any further questions.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy