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Blog Health and Wellbeing A Guide To Wrist Pain

A Guide To Wrist Pain

Wrist Pain is often experienced through discomfort in the wrist or the upper hand and is commonly caused by several injuries, such as sprains and fractures. Although small, the human wrist is made up of eight bones alongside ligaments, tendons and tissue. With all these components in such a small area, the wrist can be easily damaged, which would not only cause pain but also limited movement and use of the wrist and hand. A wide range of things such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and repetitive motion can all affect the wrist. Wrist Pain Causes

  1. Repetitive Injuries

One of the most common wrist pain causes is repetitive motion. Any motion that cause your hands to keep repeating the same, similar movements or fixing the joint in the same position for a long period of time will have a negative effect on the wrist. Driving, typing and writing for long periods will negatively affect the wrist, and in extreme cases can cause stress fractures which may result in chronic pain.

  1. Impact Injuries

Physical injuries will ultimately cause pain for wrists, be it your wrist colliding with an object or after using your arms to prevent yourself from falling. An impact can possibly cause fractures, strains or sprains and even if the impact does not break a bone it will still be likely to damage the nerves and surrounding tissue.

  1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a major cause of wrist pain for adults, there are two main types of arthritis that affect the wrist. Firstly, osteoarthritis which is caused by general wear and tear on your joints over a long period of time, leading to the breakdown of the cartilage which allows bones to rub together. Osteoarthritis is relatively uncommon in the wrist; however, it can occur, typically where previous wrist injuries have occurred. Secondly, Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in the wrist and usually affects both wrists simultaneously. In severe cases this condition can also attack the body’s organs, so we recommend that professional medical advice is sought.

  1. Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts, are a type of benign tumour that can form on the wrists, they are usually just a little unsightly, however dependant on their position can cause pain If they press on a nerve, this can lead to wrist pain and pins and needles. Removal of the cysts can ease the problem. But they may return.

  1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a lack of room in the carpal tunnel, any swelling around it can compress the median nerve, causing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Activities which require wrist movements that are continuously repeated can lead to inflamed tendons, for example these jobs may be related to your job or a hobby. Also more commonly known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). How do you Know if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in your wrist? A doctor will be able to confirm if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. A way of finding out yourself is to press the backs of your hands together with your fingers pointing downwards for 1 to 2 minutes. If you start to feel a tingle or your fingers turn numb, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. It is best not to self-diagnose and to see a doctor if you think you may have carpal tunnel. What are the symptoms of Tendonitis in the hand? If you are suffering from tendonitis in your hand, you may begin to feel a weakness in your fingers as well as a tingling sensation. Additionally, you may experience a tightness in your forearm or a pain sensation in your wrist or hand. Numbness in your palms may also be a sign of tendonitis in the hand. What is the best treatment for wrist pain? Rest over a long period of time will help treat some problems, however, if you are suffering from recurring or chronic pain you should seek medical advice. Many people also look towards wrist braces and supports to help them care for their wrist. How to prevent wrist pain?

  • You can prevent the causes of wrist pain by building bone strength through the consumption of adequate amounts of calcium.
  • Wearing protective gear whilst taking part in sports can also help prevent wrist injuries.
  • Be aware of the amount of time spent typing. Using keyboards for long periods of time could lead to wrist pain, so be sure that your wrist is properly supported.