Wrist pain is defined as any pain or distress felt in the wrist. The wrist is particularly vulnerable to damage because it includes numerous tiny bones, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels, and tendons. Wrist discomfort is usually induced by inflammation or damage, but it can also be triggered by an infection or a tumour in the wrist.
Arthritis and gout are two common inflammatory reasons for wrist discomfort. Repetitive usage injuries, sports injuries, fractures, and twists or strains are common wrist problems. Nervous system issues, such as pinched nerves, may also lead to wrist discomfort.
The etiology of the wrist discomfort determines the treatment for wrist pain. Wrist pain may subside with time in favorable situations. If your wrist discomfort is minimal, home treatments such as cold compresses and over-the-counter drugs may help. In more severe circumstances, your wrist discomfort may necessitate the use of prescription medicines or physical treatment.
Severe wrist discomfort may be triggered by a disorder that necessitates surgery. The probability that wrist discomfort will go away depends on the reason. Following your medical professional’s instructions can assist achieve the most outstanding potential outcome.
To offer you a better understanding and knowledge of the causes behind your wrist pain, here are the most frequent causes of wrist pain in a little bit more detail. Also, you can watch this video to know more about wrist pain and some quick way to ease it.
Common Causes Of Wrist Pain or Discomfort
While wrist misuse and overuse are the most common causes of wrist discomfort, there are several other factors that a healthcare physician may evaluate. Some of the common ones are:
WRIST SPRAIN:
A ligament is a stiff, fibrous structure that governs joint mobility. The ligaments that surround the wrist to manage the joint pain the hand’s position and allow for regulated actions. Wrist sprain injuries extend the ligaments of the wrist beyond their natural limits. It is common following an injury, such as a fall onto the hand. Aside from discomfort with wrist movement, other typical symptoms of a wrist sprain include inflammation around the joint, bruising or discoloration, paraesthesia, or burning or tingling feeling.
WRIST TENDONITIS:
Tendons are muscular bands of fibrous connective tissue that span the wrist, linking the muscles in the arms to the hand and finger bones. Flexor tendons are found on the palm side of your hand and enable your fingers to stretch to grab and hold items. Extensor tendons are placed on the top of your hand and assist your fingers in straightening and releasing items.Wrist tendonitis is a condition when one tendon becomes inflamed, causing a dull, unbearable discomfort, morning stiffness, and, in rare cases, slight swelling or warmth. When moving their wrist, some persons experience crepitus (a popping feeling).The most prevalent causes of wrist tendonitis include occupational tasks that entail repeated wrist motion, such as typing or dealing with equipment and sports or exercise that exert repeated stress on the wrist like golf, tennis, etc.
WRIST TENOSYNOVITIS:
The terms “tenosynovitis” and “tendonitis” are frequently used interchangeably. Tenosynovitis occurs when the tendon sheath (the fluid-filled membrane through which your wrist tendons move) becomes inflamed, resulting in the same sensations as an inflamed tendon.De Quervain syndrome is a kind of tenosynovitis that produces wrist discomfort on the thumb side that can spread to the arm. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are the most susceptible to have this illness. A woman’s history of repeated hand-based action, such as lifting a kid, is frequently reported.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a malfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist. The median nerve is squeezed or constricted as it travels through the wrist joint. An individual with carpal tunnel syndrome may have numbness and itch in their palms and their thumb, middle finger, and index, in addition to wrist pain that is greater at night.
WRIST FRACTURE:
Wrist fractures are a relatively frequent orthopedic condition. It can happen because of an accident and bone weakening, such as osteoporosis. A scaphoid fracture is a wrist fracture that can occur due to a fall on an extended hand. The scaphoid bone is a bent bone on the thumb side of your wrist that is formed like a boat.Swelling, discomfort, and soreness are symptoms of a scaphoid fracture, which typically appears below the base of the thumb (called the anatomic snuffbox). When a person attempts to squeeze or grip anything, the discomfort may escalate.
ARTHRITIS:
The wrist can be affected by several different forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently impacts the wrist joint, and gout (another kind of inflammatory arthritis) may also work. Wrist osteoarthritis is less frequent and is more likely to happen due to a previous sports injuries. Septic bacterial arthritis of the wrist (infection of the wrist joint) is conceivable but uncommon.
GANGLION CYST:
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled capsules that cause swelling and discomfort in the wrist. They commonly show up on the back of the hand or wrist and have a flat, rubbery feel. They may multiply, but they will not migrate to other regions of your body. The cyst may pinch a nerve in rare cases, producing muscular weakness, numbness, and stinging.
CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
Cubital tunnel syndrome, also regarded as ulnar neuropathy, occurs when your ulnar nerve, or “funny bone nerve,” becomes compressed. It may produce wrist discomfort, numbness, and tingling in the fourth and fifth fingers.
Final Thoughts:
Many people endure wrist discomfort at some time in their lives. Aside from a sprain or fracture, the most common causes of wrist discomfort are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis. Your doctor/physician can assist you in figuring out what’s causing your wrist discomfort and offer solutions.
Nonsurgical treatments such as using a splint, changing activities, and performing hand exercises can often alleviate discomfort. If wrist discomfort interferes with your ability to work, sleep, or perform everyday activities, surgery may be beneficial. If you require more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at Orthoremedy to learn more about the underlying cause of your wrist discomfort.
