Introduction:
There are several different conditions that can result in pain in the wrist, including tendonitis, arthritis, fractures, and sprains. Some may get better with rest, while others may require treatment. However, all of these conditions can cause long-term discomfort and pain in the wrist.
What Is Wrist Pain?
The wrist is the connection between the hand and forearm. The wrist contains numerous tiny bones that allow it to flex, extend, and rotate the hand and wrist. Injuries to these wrist bones can cause discomfort, tingling in the hands and wrists, and numbness.
What Are the Causes of Chronic Wrist Pain?
Misuse and overuse are the prime causes of wrist pain (spending long periods typing on a keyboard, day after day, for example). However, a number of other reasons might also cause wrist pain. Some conditions that affect the wrist specifically and directly causing wrist pain include:
Wrist Sprain: Sprains are ligament injuries. Ligaments are strong connective tissues that control joint movement. The ligaments that surround the wrist joint aid in maintaining hand stability. They also enable the joints for controlled movements. A sprain occurs when the wrist ligaments are stretched beyond their limitations. Symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
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Pain when moving the wrist.
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Swelling near the joint.
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Discoloration or bruising.
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Tingling or burning sensations (called paresthesia).
Tendonitis of the Wrist: Tendons are thick bands that cross over the wrist. They connect the forearm muscles to the bones of the hand and fingers. The flexor tendons of the fingers aid in grasping and holding objects. Extensor tendons on the palm side of the hand facilitate the straightening and release of the fingers. When these tendons become inflamed, wrist tendonitis develops, causing the following symptoms:
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A dull, throbbing pain.
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A stiff wrist.
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Mild swelling or warmth may occur at times.
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Some people experience crepitus (popping) when moving their wrists.
Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis is a condition similar to tendonitis involving injury and inflammation. It affects the tendon sheath (a fluid-filled covering the tendons glide through.) rather than the tendon itself. The same symptoms characterize tenosynovitis as tendonitis. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a form of injury that produces wrist pain on the thumb side that can spread up into the arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Excessive wrist movement is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly by repetitive actions. This causes inflammation and scarring. These repetitive movements compress (pinch) a nerve that runs through the wrist joint, known as the median nerve. This condition produces discomfort that is worse at night, as well as numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, palms, and middle finger.
Fracture of the Wrist: Wrist fractures are a common type of injury. It is more frequent among persons with weak bones, such as those with osteoporosis. A scaphoid fracture is a common form of wrist fracture. This bone is frequently fractured when a person falls and catches oneself on an outstretched hand. Swelling, discomfort, and tenderness below the base of the thumb are symptoms of a scaphoid fracture. When a person tries to grab something, the pain gets worse.
Arthritis:
Several kinds of arthritis can affect the wrist. They are as follows:
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune illness that frequently manifests itself in the tiny joints of the hands and wrists. In most cases, it affects either both hands or both wrists. Those affected by rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist may suffer from painful joints, edema, and stiffness in the affected area.
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Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is caused by the wearing off of the cartilage, the connective tissue that covers the ends of bones. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which bones rub against one another, which results in pain, swelling, and stiffness.
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Psoriatic Arthritis: People with psoriasis, a skin disease that creates thick, scaly skin patches, can have psoriatic arthritis. Wrist pain, soreness, and swelling are all symptoms of this arthritis. It can cause stiffness and a reduction in range of motion.
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Gout: Gout, a kind of arthritis, inflames joints, causing them to become painful, irritated, and swollen. In order to touch, the injured joint may feel warm. Gout arises when the bloodstream becomes clogged with too much uric acid (a waste product of food metabolism).
Although septic bacterial arthritis of the wrist is possible, it is uncommon. It happens when the wrist joint becomes inflamed.
How Is Wrist Pain Diagnosed?
The wrist is a very small but complex structure. It is composed of a number of bones, muscles, and other tissues. A health practitioner may utilize any of the following to diagnose wrist pain:
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A comprehensive history of one's medical conditions and the presenting illness.
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Physical examination.
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Diagnostic imaging studies, such as X-rays.
How Is Wrist Pain Treated?
Treatments for wrist pain depend on the underlying cause. Depending on the severity, a protective splint or cast may be indicated for a fracture. If the fracture is unstable, surgical intervention may be required. Pain caused by a sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis can be alleviated by wearing extended support such as a cast, brace, or splint. Surgical intervention offers internal support. For persistent, severe pain, the doctor may recommend the following:
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Oral and intravenous medicines for relieving symptoms.
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Carpal tunnel surgery to relieve the median nerve pressure.
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Tendon decompression through surgical means.
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Surgical treatment for arthritis to reduce bone-on-bone friction. This may involve motion-preserving therapies such as wrist fusion, bone excision, or whole or partial wrist replacement.
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The removal of inflammatory tissue (wrist debridement).
Taking Care of Wrist Pain at Home: Limit or discontinue activities that increase wrist pain. Additional home treatments include:
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Applying a cold compress on acute wounds.
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Warm compresses for chronic conditions.
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Hand exercises are offered by therapists qualified in occupational or physical therapy.
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Using pain relieving creams and gels.
Conclusion:
Other than a sprain or fracture, the most common causes of wrist pain are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis. The healthcare practitioner will be able to identify the source of wrist pain and offer the most effective therapies. Usually, nonsurgical treatments such as splinting, activity modification, and hand exercises can relieve pain. Surgery may be beneficial if wrist pain interferes with the ability to work, sleep, or engage in daily activities.
