Consider the wrist. It’s a part of the human anatomy used in every movement we make every day. From brushing your teeth, combing your hair, feeding yourself, dressing, driving your car, and using your phone and computer, your wrist is responsible for the successful completion of all these daily activities. With this non-stop daily use comes the inherent risk of injury which we never think about, unless we begin to experience pain. It’s important to recognize that the early warning signs of pain, reduced mobility, or swelling should be attended to as quickly as possible because delaying treatment, up to and including wrist surgery can result in permanent damage to this sensitive joint.
What are the most common causes of wrist pain?
- Repetitive stress injury
Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome result from the repetitive motion of the wrist. Tendonitis typically presents with a nagging ache in the wrist which may be accompanied by a slight swelling. You may wake up feeling stiff and sore and it may resolve with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and rest. Carpal tunnel syndrome presents the same way at first, however continuing repetitive motions, such as keyboard use, knitting, etc. may increase the discomfort to include numbness, tingling in the fingers and forearm, and pain. If you don’t feel any improvement in symptoms within a few days of onset, you should seek medical attention to receive a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan with your physician. Either of these conditions may require surgery based on severity and impairment to the normal function of the wrist.
- Bone fractures
Wrist fractures can happen at any age, to any individual. Falls are a common cause of wrist fractures as are sports injuries, vehicular accidents, and horseplay. Symptoms of a wrist fracture include swelling, bruising, inability to grip, deformity (visible misalignment), and pain. The onset is usually immediate but some patients don’t observe swelling or bruising right away. A wrist fracture is serious and should be seen by a doctor immediately to reduce the risk of potential complications resulting from damaged blood vessels and subsequently reduced circulation. It’s also important to immobilize the injury to prevent the development of these complications. Surgery may be required to reset the bones to help them heal and restore mobility and function.
- Wrist sprains
A sprain takes place when joints are overused or overextended. Overextension causes damage to the ligament and can occur when you fall on your wrist, if you are hit on the wrist, or if the wrist incurs tremendous pressure or twisting motion. As with all injuries the symptoms of a wrist sprain may include hearing or feeling a popping sensation, experiencing weakness in the joint, pain, tenderness to the touch, swelling, and bruising. Wrist sprains don’t usually result in surgery. However, an accurate diagnosis is very important to rule out more severe injuries and reduce the risk of permanent damage.
- Arthritis
Arthritis of the wrist is a common affliction affecting approximately 1 in 7 people. The symptoms included achiness, pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. It’s often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Wrist arthritis should be diagnosed by a physician so progression can be monitored. In rare cases, arthritis will cause degeneration of the joint to the point of requiring joint replacement.
At Orthopedic Specialty Institute, our physicians and staff know the importance of maintaining healthy wrists. If you suspect you have injured your wrist, or that the achiness and pain you feel aren’t being managed by home remedies, it’s time to seek medical intervention. Same-day appointments are available. Call us now at 954-866-9699 to schedule your appointment and start the healing process.