Physical complaints

Osteoarthritis of the wrist

Do you experience pain in your wrist during everyday activities? Does your wrist feel stiff, especially in the morning or after resting? And are you finding it increasingly difficult to pinch, twist or support your wrist? Then you are probably wondering: what is osteoarthritis of the wrist and what can I do about it? Osteoarthritis in the wrist is more common than many people think and can have a major impact on your daily life. You use your wrist constantly: at work, during sports and for simple activities such as getting dressed or cooking. When movement causes pain or strength decreases, you notice it immediately. With the right explanation, guidance and a targeted approach, it is often possible to reduce symptoms and continue to use the wrist more effectively.

Book appointment

What is osteoarthritis in the wrist?

With osteoarthritis in the wrist, the cartilage within the wrist joint has become thinner. Cartilage normally allows smooth movement between bones. When it wears down, the bones move less smoothly against each other.
This often leads to:

pain during movement or loading
stiffness, especially after rest
loss of strength and reduced control

Osteoarthritis is a gradual process. The body adapts over time, but guidance is needed to keep movements functional without overloading the joint.

What does osteoarthritis in the wrist feel like?

Many people wonder whether their symptoms are caused by overuse or by wear and tear. That’s understandable, as osteoarthritis often develops gradually.
With osteoarthritis in the wrist, people commonly experience:

a dull or sharp aching pain
stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity
pain when gripping, twisting, or weight-bearing
reduced strength or control

The wrist usually doesn’t feel suddenly “broken,” but rather stiff, sensitive, and limited.

What does osteoarthritis in the wrist look like?

If you wonder what osteoarthritis in the wrist looks like, you typically won’t see bruising or severe swelling like with a fracture. You may notice:

mild swelling around the joint
sometimes a change in joint shape or thickening
less smooth movement

The changes mainly occur inside the joint and are often visible on an X-ray.

What can you do about osteoarthritis in the wrist?

A common question is: what to do with osteoarthritis in the wrist. It’s important to know that osteoarthritis cannot be “cured,” but symptoms can definitely be managed.
What often helps:

continuing to move within pain limits
distributing load more effectively
training strength and control
reducing stiffness

Complete rest often worsens symptoms. Targeted movement is essential.

When do symptoms increase?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the wrist often increase with:

repetitive loading
maintaining the same position for a long time
forceful gripping or twisting
stress or fatigue

Sometimes symptoms seem mild at first but gradually worsen. That’s a signal not to ignore them.

Exercises for osteoarthritis in the wrist

Proper exercises are important to:

maintain mobility
strengthen the muscles around the wrist
improve control and stability

Exercises are built up gradually. Don’t force movement—move regularly instead. Too little movement increases stiffness, while too much can worsen symptoms.

How long does recovery take with osteoarthritis in the wrist?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. That doesn’t mean improvement is impossible, but it does mean focusing on long-term load management.
With proper guidance, you can:

reduce symptoms
improve movement quality
maintain daily activities for longer

Many people notice better control and less pain within a few weeks.

Tips for osteoarthritis in the wrist

Some practical tips:

don’t force movement
spread load throughout the day
keep moving, even with mild pain
build activities up gradually

The goal is not to “push through pain,” but to move with confidence and control.

Treatment at De Fysio Man

At De Fysio Man, we support people with osteoarthritis in the wrist in a practical and personal way. We don’t just focus on the joint itself, but on how you use your wrist in daily life, work, and sports.
Our goal is for you to:

regain confidence in your wrist
move better with less pain
perform daily activities more easily

Your next step

Do your symptoms persist, or are you unsure what the best approach is for osteoarthritis in the wrist? Waiting is often not the best option. With the right guidance, a lot is possible.
Make an appointment at De Fysio Man and work towards a stronger, more stable, and more resilient wrist.