Wrist Pain Treatment

Wrist Pain Treatment with Wrist Brace

Overview

Sprains and fractures from sudden injuries are common causes of wrist pain. It is also possible to experience wrist pain from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of wrist pain due to so many factors, but an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and recovery.

Symptoms

The cause of wrist pain may vary. The pain associated with osteoarthritis is often compared with a dull toothache, while carpal tunnel syndrome is typically characterized by pins-and-needles or tingling, especially at night. It is also possible to determine what is causing your wrist pain by pinpointing its exact location.

When to see a doctor

Medical care is not always necessary for wrist pain. The most common treatments for minor sprains and strains are ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medications. Nevertheless, if pain and swelling last for more than a few days or worsen, consult your doctor. It is possible to suffer from long-term disability, impaired range of motion, and poor healing with delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

You may feel pain and be unable to use your wrists and hands if you have damage to any part of the wrist.

Injuries

A sudden impact. Wrist injuries are often caused by falling forward onto your outstretched hand. As a result, sprains, strains, and even fractures may occur. Scaphoid fractures affect the thumb side of the wrist. There is a possibility that this type of fracture will not appear on an X-ray immediately after the injury.

Repetitive stress. Performing repetitive wrist movements for long periods of time or without a break can cause inflammation around joints or stress fractures, especially if you repeatedly do the movement for hours without taking a break. Pain at the base of the thumb is caused by De Quervain's disease, a repetitive stress injury.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis. Over time, cartilage that cushions your bones' ends deteriorates, causing this type of arthritis. Usually, osteoarthritis of the wrist occurs only in people with a history of wrist injuries.

Rheumatoid arthritis. When the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, rheumatoid arthritis occurs most commonly in the wrist. It is common for both wrists to be affected if one is affected.

Other diseases and conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve gets compressed while passing through the carpal tunnel, an area in your wrist on the palm side.

Ganglion cysts. In most cases, these soft tissue cysts develop on the opposite side of your wrist from your palm. It is possible for ganglion cysts to cause pain, and this pain may either become worse or better as you get more active.

Kienbock's disease. In this disorder, a small bone in the wrist gradually collapses, usually in young adults. This disease occurs when there is a reduction in blood supply to this bone.

Risk factors

You can suffer from wrist pain no matter how active or sedentary you are. However, you may be at greater risk if you:

Sports participation. Sporting activities that involve impact or repetitive stress on the wrists are common causes of wrist injuries. Sporting activities include football, bowling, golf, gymnastics, snowboarding, and tennis.

Repetitive work. Almost any activity involving your hands and wrists can cause disabling wrist pain if performed forcefully and often enough. This includes knitting and cutting hair.

Certain diseases or conditions. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more likely to develop if you are pregnant, diabetic, obese, have rheumatoid arthritis, or have gout.

Prevention

Injuries to the wrist are often caused by unforeseen events, but these basic tips may help:

Build bone strength. Fractures can be prevented by getting adequate calcium - 1,000 milligrams a day for most adults and 1,200 milligrams a day for women over 50.

Prevent falls. Wrist injuries are most commonly caused by falling forward onto an outstretched hand. Wear sensible shoes to prevent falls. Home hazards should be removed. Brighten up your living space. Ensure that your bathroom has grab bars and that your stairs have handrails, if necessary.

Use protective gear for athletic activities. Whenever possible, wear wrist guards or wrist brace when participating in high-risk activities, such as football, skiing, and rollerblading.

Pay attention to ergonomics. Take regular breaks if you spend long periods at a keyboard. Keep your wrist relaxed and neutral when typing. Compression gloves or wrist supports may be helpful.