Arthritis is the chronic wear of the cartilage which covers the wrist bones. This complex phenomenon involves both physical and metabolic factors. Cartilage covers all wrist bones and ensures joint mobility by decreasing friction. Physiologically, cartilage cells are replaced as fast as they are produced by the body. With age, the replacement of cartilage cell becomes slower than their destruction, therefore disrupting joint stability. Abnormal physical constraints (sequelae of radius fracture, non-repaired wrist sprains, improper respective positioning of the bones) may lead to the same results. Cartilage wear starts with a thinning process and by the appearance of cracks in the cartilage which can lead to real ulcerations. The bare surface of the bones then come into contact with each other, which generates pain. This phenomenon can worsen with time (fig.1: the various stages of arthritis), ending up with a painful limitation of joint mobility. Progressively, the joint stiffens. Arthritic pain appears when the joint is in use and disappears at rest. Certain types of inflammatory diseases may cause episodes of pain at night. Physical factors such as age, obesity, heredity and diabetes contribute to the occurence of arthritis.