Wrist Pain
What conditions are associated with wrist pain?
Wrist pain can be associated with a variety of conditions, including:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the wrist and hand.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Wrist Fractures or Sprains: Traumatic injuries to the bones or ligaments in the wrist.
- Ganglion Cyst: A fluid-filled lump that can develop near joints or tendons.
- Arthritis: Including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
- Kienböck’s Disease: Collapse of one of the small bones in the wrist.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals.
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Injury from repetitive motion or overuse.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A condition causing blood vessels to narrow in cold conditions, leading to pain and colour changes in the fingers and sometimes the wrist.
- Nerve Injuries or Disorders: Other than carpal tunnel, conditions like ulnar nerve entrapment can cause wrist pain.
It’s important to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis if you experience persistent wrist pain.
What are the symptoms of wrist pain?
Symptoms associated with wrist pain can include:
- Localised Pain: Sharp or dull pain specifically in the wrist.
- Swelling: Visible inflammation in the wrist area.
- Stiffness: Limited range of wrist motion.
- Tenderness: Pain upon touch or pressure.
- Warmth or Redness: In the affected area.
- Numbness or Tingling: Radiating towards the hand or fingers.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping or lifting objects.
- Clicking or Popping: Noises during wrist movement.
- Radiating Pain: Pain that extends to the forearm or hand.
- Visible Deformities: In cases of fractures or certain conditions.
- Locked Wrist: Inability to move the wrist due to locking.
The nature, duration, and intensity of these symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause. If wrist pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a medical professional.
What causes wrist pain?
Wrist pain can arise from a variety of causes:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons in the wrist.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments and muscles in the wrist.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the wrist.
- Ganglion Cysts: Fluid-filled lumps near the wrist joint or tendons.
- Arthritis: Such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis affecting the wrist.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Overuse of the wrist from repetitive activities.
- Gout: Accumulation of urate crystals in the wrist joint.
- Kienböck’s Disease: Collapse of one of the small wrist bones.
- Nerve Damage: Such as from injuries or other medical conditions.
- Infections: In rare cases, the wrist joint or surrounding tissues can become infected.
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment, so seeing a medical professional for a proper diagnosis is recommended.
What is the best treatment for wrist pain?
Treatment for wrist pain depends on its cause and severity, but common approaches include:
- Relative rest: Allow the wrist time to heal by avoiding activities that exacerbate pain.
- Ice: Apply cold packs to reduce swelling and numb the area can be useful. Heat can also help a day after an injury.Â
- Compression: Use a wrist brace or bandage to support and stabilise.
- Elevation: Raise the wrist above heart level to minimise swelling.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Physiotherapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises.
- Surgery: In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, or other specific conditions.
Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for individual cases.
Who should I see to fix wrist pain?
For wrist pain, consider consulting:
- Your GP: For initial assessment.
- Orthopaedic Surgeon: For bone and joint issues.
- Rheumatologist: For arthritis-related concerns.
- Physiotherapist: For rehabilitation and exercises.
- Hand Specialist or Hand Surgeon: For specific hand and wrist issues.
- Neurologist: If nerve-related symptoms are present.
Is exercise good for wrist pain?
Yes, specific exercises can be beneficial for wrist pain. They can help strengthen wrist and forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and promote joint stability. However, it’s important to ensure the exercises are appropriate for the underlying cause of the pain. Consulting with a physiotherapist for tailored exercises is recommended.
Will I need surgery for wrist pain?
Not all wrist pain requires surgery. Surgery is typically considered for conditions that don’t respond to conservative treatments, severe injuries, or when there’s structural damage. Common surgical procedures for the wrist include carpal tunnel release, fracture repair, and ganglion cyst removal. Consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon or hand specialist will determine the necessity of surgery.
