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Suffering from pesky wrist pain that troubles you while doing everyday tasks? We get it; wrist pain can be annoying and cause a lot of discomfort. Our wrists take part in multiple day-to-day activities like typing on your computer, playing sports like badminton or tennis, or simply lifting or putting something down; one awkward movement can lead to sudden wrist pain that can affect our lives significantly. Our wrists are used while doing many activities, and hence they are also more vulnerable to injuries and conditions that lead to severe wrist pain, discomfort and even disability.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the common causes of wrist pain, symptoms of wrist conditions and treatment options for wrist pain and injury. Continue reading to learn more.
Here are some of the common causes of wrist pain:
Sprains in the wrists can occur when the ligament that connects the bones in the wrist gets excessively stretched or torn. This wrist injury generally occurs when a person falls onto an outstretched hand. The symptoms of wrist sprain include bruising or swelling around the wrist, pain in the wrist, especially while moving it, and unstable or weakness felt in the wrist.
Due to repetitive strain and overuse, the tendons that connect the wrist bones to the muscles get inflamed. This condition is called tendonitis. Activities like texting, typing or any sports that involve wrist movement can lead to such a condition. The symptoms of tendonitis include swelling and pain along the affected tendon, a warm feeling on the affected tendon and discomfort and difficulty while moving wrists.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that arises when the median nerve that runs from our forearms to the palms of our hands gets compressed at the wrist due to repetitive movements, such as typing on a computer, or uneven stress on the wrist and hands. Symptoms of CTS include numbness in the index, middle fingers and thumb tagged along with tingling sensation, pain in the wrist that can extend to the arms and weakness in the hand that leads to poor grip.
Different forms of arthritis can cause pain in the wrists, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear caused by daily life whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which leads to inflammation in the joints. The symptoms of arthritis include stiffness and joint pain, especially around the morning time, tenderness and swelling in wrists, difficulty while gripping an object, and decreased range of motion.
It is a condition that causes the tendons on the side of the thumb side of the wrist to get inflamed. It can arise due to repetitive movements of the wrist and hands like lifting a baby, playing certain sports, etc. Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis include swelling and pain in the bottom part of the thumb, inability to move the wrist and the thumb and thumbs feeling stuck.
Wrist fractures are more common than you would think. It occurs when one or more than one bone in the wrist breaks due to an accident, a fall or any other mishap. Symptoms of wrist fractures include severe pain in the wrist, especially while movie it, bruising and swelling on the wrist, inability to move the wrist and deformation of the wrist.
It is a benign lump that develops along the joints and tendons of the wrist. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown, but it arises when the tendons and the joints of the wrist get irritated. Symptoms of ganglion cysts include a visible lump on the wrist, swelling and pain, especially when the lump presses on a nerve, and weakness in the wrist.
The above-mentioned conditions can be treated in the following ways:
1. Wrist Sprains: Sprains of mild to moderate level can be treated with the Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE) technique but if the sprain is severe immobilisation of the wrist is required, and wrist splints are used for this.
2. Arthritis: Arthritis can be managed by making appropriate lifestyle changes. Treatment includes physical therapy and medication to reduce inflammation.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS): It can be treated by using wrist splints, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, and in some severe cases surgery may be required to relieve pressure from the nerves present in the area.
4. Tendonitis: It can be treated by incorporating exercises that can strengthen the wrist in your daily routine. Many people opt for physical therapy to cure this condition. You can also use ice and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation.
5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: One of the most effective treatment options for reducing inflammation is to apply ice to the affected area and immobilise the wrist and thumb with splints.
6. Wrist Fracture: If you suffer from a wrist fracture, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Wrist fractures require immediate medical attention. Treatment involves immobilising the wrist through splints, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.
7. Ganglion Cyst: The cysts must be monitored for any changes in size. If they cause a lot of pain and discomfort, they can be either drained or surgically removed.
Wrist Pain and Wrist Injuries can be prevented by taking effective steps to protect your wrists and staying cautious while doing activities can lead to severe wrist pain or injuries. Here are some of the effective measures that you must include in your daily life to improve your wrist health and prevent pain and injuries:
Try to incorporate wrist-strengthening exercises into your fitness routine. Wrist pain exercises can help you prevent wrist injuries. Some of the exercises include- wrist curls, grip strengthening exercises, etc. to build muscles that support the wrist joints for wrist pain relief.
If you are someone like me, who spends a lot of time on their computer or using the computer, then it is important that you make significant adjustments to your workstation to make it ergonomic. Keep your monitor at your eye level, use a keyword with wrist support, and take breaks in between to stretch your wrists.
Stretching your wrists and forearms regularly can help maintain flexibility in your wrist joints and prevent stiffness. Stretching exercises like extensor stretches and wrist flexors can be done any time of the day.
It is important you use the correct technique while doing any activities like playing sports, lifting weights, or engaging in any repetitive activity. You can use a wrist guard or other protective gear to protect your wrists further.
If you experience pain while doing any activity or discomfort while stretching your wrist, then you must stop. Listen to your body as it will tell you when to stop.
Wrist pain is common and affects millions of individuals worldwide, but it is often overlooked. Poor wrist condition can significantly affect an individual's day-to-day life. By incorporating effective strategies to prevent wrist pain and injuries, you can make sure that your wrists remain free of injury and pain. Check out Granimals online physiotherapy programs from wrist, hand and elbow to make sure you stay on top and stay pain-free! Book your video consultation with us today.
Q1. What is the most common cause of wrist pain?
Answer: The most common causes of wrist pain include repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and wrist sprains. Other common causes include arthritis and wrist fractures.
Q2. How can I prevent wrist pain from typing?
Answer: To prevent wrist pain from typing, make ergonomic adjustments to your workstation, such as using a keyboard with wrist support, keeping your wrists in a neutral position, and taking regular breaks to stretch your wrists and hands.
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