How to Relieve Arthritis Wrist Pain

From playing tennis with your kids to handwriting a grocery list, wrist pain can interfere in just about any activity in everyday life. Wrist pain, especially wrist pain caused by arthritis, can really throw a wrench in your plans, but there are a few things you can do to help get relief. In this article, we’ll show you how to relieve wrist pain caused by arthritis with some tried-and-true solutions.

Stretches and Exercises for Arthritis Wrist Pain

Doing daily wrist flexibility and strengthening exercises is one way to help get relief for arthritis pain. Working with a physical therapist to develop a safe exercise plan for your specific situation is ideal, but there are some simple strengthening and flexibility exercises you can try at home.ⁱ

1. Wrist Bend
   To do a wrist bend, start by bending your elbow at a 90 degree angle with your palm facing down. Rotate your forearm, so that your palm faces up and then down again. You can do this exercise standing up or sitting down.ⁱⁱ
2. Wrist Lift
   This exercise can help hand pain as well as wrist pain. Place your forearm on table with your hand hanging over the edge and your palm facing down. Move your hand upward gently until you feel a stretch, and then move it back to the starting position. Keep your fingers relaxed during the exercise. You can place a towel under your forearm for extra comfort if needed.ⁱⁱⁱ

OTC or Topical Medication

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or using a cream or gel is another way to get arthritis wrist pain relief, especially when you need it quickly.^iv Many NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are available over the counter, though your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain reliever if needed.

Topical diclofenac is an over-the-counter medication that helps relieve arthritis pain. It is designed to specifically treat pain caused by arthritis. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contains diclofenac, which works by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a topical NSAID absorbed through the skin and not through the stomach like most oral medicines. Try Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for arthritis wrist pain relief.

More Options for Relief

In addition to exercises, stretches, and medication, there are other ways to get relief from arthritis wrist pain. Explore the following recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for additional guidance on relief:^v

1. Modify your activities.
   If there are certain activities that trigger or worsen your arthritis pain, take a break for the time being. Even though you may miss doing some of your favorite things, it’s a good opportunity to pick up a new interest or hobby—and the pain relief will make it worth it!
2. Immobilization and injections.
   For short-term relief, your doctor may recommend immobilization or injections. Immobilization can be done through wearing a splint that supports and eases stress placed on the wrist joint. Steroid injections with cortisone can also help ease arthritis pain, although the relief may only be temporary.
3. Consider alternative therapies.
   Some people have success with alternative therapies. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage, often have mixed reviews. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any alternative therapy.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to relieve arthritis wrist pain and equipped you with some solutions to get the relief you need. For more resources on arthritis in the wrist, check out our articles on wrist exercises for arthritis relief that you can do at home.