The treatment of degenerative arthritis of the wrist can be divided into the non-surgical means to control the symptoms and the surgical procedures to treat the condition. Surgery is usually not considered until it has become impossible to control the symptoms with non-surgical treatment methods.

Treatment usually begins when the wrist first becomes painful. This may only occur with heavy use and may simply require mild anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Tylenol^® or Motrin^®. Reducing the activity, or avoiding heavy repetitive use of the hand and wrist, may be necessary to help control the symptoms. Braces that support the wrist joint may reduce the pain.

Cortisone is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medication. When injected into the joint, cortisone can help relieve the pain. Pain relief is temporary and usually only lasts several weeks to months. There is a small risk of infection with cortisone injections